The Borno State government in Nigeria has declared a 24-hour curfew in response to ongoing nationwide hunger protests and a recent bomb explosion in the state.
The announcement was made by Nahum Kenneth Daso, spokesperson for the State Police Command, in a statement on Thursday.
The curfew follows a bomb explosion at a local tea joint on Wednesday, resulting in the deaths of 16 people, with several others critically injured. Daso stated, “In view of the constitutional mandate of the Nigeria Police Force and other relevant security and law enforcement agencies toward preservation of law and order in the state, the curfew is deemed necessary.”
He added, “You are all aware of the incident that took place at Kawori, where an improvised explosive device detonated, leading to the death of 16 persons and causing critical injuries to several others, who are now receiving treatment in various government hospitals in the state.”
The decision to impose the curfew was made in consultation with heads of security in the state. “In line with our constitutional mandate towards the restoration of law and order, His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Borno State, Prof. Babagana Umar Zulum, in consultation with heads of security in the state, finds it expedient to declare a 24-hour curfew in the state with immediate effect,” the statement continued.
Daso called on residents to remain calm and law-abiding during this period, assuring them that further developments would be communicated as necessary.
This curfew comes amid a backdrop of nationwide hunger protests, with various incidents of violence and looting reported across the country.
