Governor Umar Namadi of Jigawa imposed a 24-hour curfew on Friday following the escalation of violence during the first day of nationwide protests in the country.
In a state broadcast, the governor described the situation as unfortunate.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that he approved a brief relaxation of the curfew on Friday for two and a half hours, allowing worshippers to attend Juma’a prayers in the mosque.
“To ensure the return of peace and stability, we are implementing a 24-hour curfew,” Namadi announced. “However, on Friday, the curfew will be relaxed between noon and 2:30 p.m. to allow people to attend Friday prayers at the mosque.
“The transformation of a peaceful demonstration into violence, marked by destruction and looting, is completely unacceptable and contrary to our culture. We will not allow it to continue unchecked.
“Together with security agencies, we will continue to monitor the situation and take appropriate action to protect the lives and property of our citizens against miscreants and hoodlums across the state,” Namadi stated.
