Kaduna, Bauchi and Plateau states were put under curfew blanket yesterday following mass looting during the economic crisis protests.

The protests in the North, a region that has been reeling under serious terrorism and bandit attacks, took a turn for the worse, forcing governors of the affected states to take tough measures.

The Plateau State government Caleb Mutfwang imposed a 24-hour curfew on Jos North Local Government on Sunday night to curb escalating violence.

The protest, led by General Overseer of Evangelical Outreach (EBOMI), Isa El-Buba, and National Coordinator of the Initiative for Better and Brighter Nigeria (IBBN)/ former Minister of Sports, Solomon Dalung, commenced on a peaceful note.

The state government had even commended them on the peaceful protest.

But, on Sunday, things went awry when a strange group of protesters appeared in some parts of Jos North while the first set was on break.

The latter group held up Russian flags and unleashed violence.

While the original group converged daily at Old Airport Roundabout in Jos, the new violent group moved from street to street, looting property.

They invaded Bauchi Road in Zololo, Dilimi, Sabon Layi, Filling Ball, Congo Russia, Angwan Rogo and environs.

Mutfwang said the curfew was with effect from Sunday midnight.

He said it was declared “in consultation with state security agencies after reviewing the actions of unscrupulous individuals who exploited the nationwide protest to unleash terror on innocent citizens”.

The governor noted that these criminal elements “armed with daggers, machetes, and other dangerous weapons, broke into shops and restaurants along Bauchi Road and Zololo Junction, looting foodstuffs and other valuable items”.

He warned those planning to unleash further terror on innocent citizens to desist immediately or face the full wrath of the law.

The group of violent protesters, mostly underaged fundamentalists, defied the curfew and continued with their looting yesterday.

Governor Mutfwang also convened a security council meeting yesterday, after which the Commissioner of Police, Emmanuel Adesina, said 14 individuals were arrested for violating the curfew.

El-Buba faulted the curfew, claiming it was an attempt to stifle citizens’ voices.

“We are amazed and so disappointed with the curfew declaration by the state government. There is nothing that warrants it.

“Plateau State has been adjudged as hosting the most peaceful protest all over the world. History has been made here.

“Thousands of Muslims on the first, second and third days of the protest shielded by their Christian brothers and sisters.

“On Sunday, Christians in their thousands were shielded by Muslims in their thousands. It has never happened,” he added.

But, Adesina urged residents to comply with the curfew or risk arrest.

“The Plateau State Police Command is poised to maintain peace in the state and will not allow any person or group of individuals to plunge the State into unruly turmoil.”

Curfew in Kaduna

As protesters who regrouped in Kaduna yesterday embarked on a looting spree, the state government declared a 24-hour curfew on the Kaduna and Zaria metropolises.

The protesters marched on the major streets of Kaduna and Zaria, waving Russian flags.

They were dispersed at the NEPA Roundabout after they started looting public and private property.

They vandalised property at AIT and Vision FM offices within the Nagwamatse House.

Announcing the curfew in a statement, Overseeing Commissioner, Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, said the protest had been hijacked by criminal elements.

“The Kaduna State Security Council under the leadership of Governor Uba Sani, following a review of the security situation in the state, hereby notifies citizens of the following:

“There is sufficient evidence to clearly indicate that the ongoing protest has been hijacked by criminal elements who have resorted to looting of shops and destruction of private and public property.

“In view of this unfortunate development, the Kaduna State Security Council has unanimously resolved to impose a 24-hour curfew on Kaduna and Zaria metropolises and environs with immediate effect.

“Citizens are advised to remain indoors while security forces continue to work to maintain safety and security.

“Monitoring will be sustained for review of the curfew as required,” he said.

Council secretariat, ex-dep. Governor House torched in Bauchi

Bauchi Governor, Bala Mohammed, also imposed a 24-hour curfew in Katagum LGA.

It followed violent incidents, destruction of public property and theft.

Some hoodlums in Azare of Katagum LGA vandalised the government lodge and the country home of the immediate-past deputy governor, Senator Baba Tela.

They set ablaze the local government secretariat.

The governor’s directive is contained in a statement by the Secretary to the State Government, Ibrahim Muhammad Kashim.

He directed all security agencies to take swift action to address the situation, apprehend those responsible and bring them to justice.