The Bauchi State Government has declared a 24-hour curfew in Katagum Local Government Area due to the security situation in Azare and surrounding areas.
This measure was announced in a press statement by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Barrister Ibrahim Muhammad Kashim, on Monday.
Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, CON, approved the curfew to curb the escalating violence and lawlessness that have led to the destruction of public property, theft, and victimisation.
“The security situation in Azare has become untenable, necessitating immediate action to restore order and protect citizens,” the statement read.
The governor has instructed all security agencies to ensure that those responsible for the unrest are arrested and held accountable.
Law-abiding citizens have been urged to cooperate fully with the authorities during this period.
News About Nigeria reported that similar measures have been implemented in Plateau State, where Governor Caleb Mutfwang enforced a 24-hour curfew on the Jos and Bukuru metropolises.
This decision, effective from midnight on Sunday, August 4, 2024, follows threats from residents of Bauchi Road in Jos North, who warned of potential violence against those not participating in ongoing protests against bad governance.
Initially, a coalition of youths in Jos announced a two-day suspension of street protests to allow for negotiations with the Federal Government.
However, the situation escalated as protesters, dissatisfied with President Bola Tinubu’s recent broadcast, flooded Bauchi Road, demanding business owners join the protest or close their shops.
Governor Mutfwang, in a statement signed by the Director of Press and Public Affairs, Gyang Bere, stressed that the curfew was necessary to prevent further exploitation of the protests by criminal elements.
He made an example of the incidents of looting and vandalism along Bauchi Road and Zololo Junction.
He noted that the curfew is to safeguard public order and citizen safety.
