Protests continued in Jigawa State despite a 24-hour curfew imposed by the state government. The Jigawa Police Command reported that over 50 suspected hoodlums were arrested on Thursday, with additional arrests expected following Friday’s demonstrations.
Protesters defied the curfew in Zai, Shuwarin, and Gumel towns, as confirmed by DSP Lawan Shiisu, the police spokesperson. While exact numbers of those detained on Friday were not immediately available, security forces dispersed the crowds in several areas.
Eyewitnesses reported that hundreds of youths continued to march in the streets, particularly in Dutse and Gumel Local Government Areas. In Dutse, a combined team of security agencies confronted protesters attempting to access public buildings and stores near Zai.
Malam Adamu Abubakar, a resident of Zai, described the protesters as chanting slogans and moving towards the city center, despite being met with teargas from the police. In Shuwarin, another suburb of Dutse, protesters regrouped and attempted to advance into the town but were blocked by security forces.
In Gumel LGA, the situation was reportedly calmer, with security personnel successfully preventing protesters from regrouping by barricading major roads. Despite these efforts, there remains a palpable tension, with sources indicating an urgent need for measures to prevent further escalation and potential casualties.
