Starting Sunday, August 4, 2024, the curfew in Kano State will be relaxed, allowing movement from 8am to 2pm. This update was given by Baba Dantiye, the state Commissioner for Information, who spoke to Channels Television on Saturday.
The Kano State Government had initially imposed a strict 24-hour curfew in response to violent incidents during the #EndBadGovernance protests. These protests, aimed at addressing poor governance and economic struggles, had taken a dangerous turn.
Commissioner Dantiye explained that the decision to ease the curfew was made after careful consideration of the hardships faced by residents due to the round-the-clock restriction. The Governor of Kano State, Abba Yusuf, prioritized the safety and well-being of the people, deciding to allow limited movement during specific hours.
Despite easing the curfew, the state government remains committed to safeguarding the lives and properties of Kano’s residents. The initial 24-hour curfew was a measure to maintain order and protect the community during the tumultuous period. Governor Yusuf emphasized that the security situation would be continuously monitored and reviewed.
Governor Yusuf extended his heartfelt condolences to families who lost loved ones or suffered property damage during the protests. The state government acknowledged the cooperation of the public in adhering to the curfew and other directives.
The protests, which lasted for ten days, saw significant disruption and destruction. Hoodlums exploited the chaos to loot and damage properties, including the Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC) Industrial Park. This newly constructed ICT center was scheduled for opening soon, but it suffered extensive damage, with stolen equipment and arson.
The police in Kano reported that 269 individuals were arrested for looting and vandalism during the protests. These arrests underline the state’s commitment to restoring order and preventing further criminal activities.