The Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, has said that most of the protesters are underage and not meant to be on the streets, News About Nigeria reports.
He stated this in a broadcast to the people of Borno, where he also declared the lifting of the 24-hour curfew imposed on the state.
He noted that 95 percent of the protesters who participated in Thursday’s violent protests in Maiduguri, are under the age of 14, adding that most of them have no idea why they are protesting.
He also asserted that most of the children are not from Borno State, and must have been directed on what to do.
According to him, some of the actions of the hoodlums that hijacked the Maiduguri protests include the destruction and looting of public properties including hospitals.
“Over 95 percent of those who participated in the so-called Thursday protests were children under 14 years. Most of them do not know why they are protesting.
“A six-year-old child carrying a placard is amazing; he must have been directed by someone. Most of those children are not from Borno.
“While we are not discouraging the Almajiri education, we must however have their teachers or guardians looking after them.
“In what could have been a major disaster, attempts were made by the hoodlums on several occasions to attack the Maiduguri Emergency Power Gas Plant, however, it was averted by our gallant security forces.
“Violence has no place in our society and I implore citizens to reject any call to arms or act of aggression,” he stated.
He further stated that as the curfew is lifted on Saturday, whoever is caught engaging in looting and violent activities will be dealt with accordingly.
