Over fifty suspects were reportedly apprehended by the Katsina State Police Command, in connection with the destruction and looting of government and public properties during the Thursday’s Nationwide protest held in the State.
The Police Spokesman, ASP Abubakar Sadiq in a statement said, efforts have been intensified to ensure the arrest of individuals who have been identified to be in connection with the looting of private and public properties.
The statement called on parents and guardians to caution their children and wards to desist from engaging in acts that may contravene the law, including but not limited to violent protests, vandalism, and looting of public or private properties.
The statement further urged the youths to exercise restraint and avoid being used as tools to perpetuate violence.
According to the statement, the command, in collaboration with sister security agencies, will be conducting regular patrols to ensure total compliance with the curfew imposed across the state, adding that anyone found violating the curfew will be dealt with decisively.
It also appeal to the general public to cooperate with the security agencies and stay indoors during the curfew hours.
“Let’s work together to maintain peace and order in our state.
“Due to the current security concerns in light of the nationwide protests turning violent in some parts of the state, the Katsina State Police Command commenced enforcement of the Katsina State Government imposed 24-hour curfew in Dutsinma Local Government Area (LGA) and a 7:00 pm to 7:00 am curfew in the rest of the Local Government Areas (LGAs) in the state, effective immediately.
“The 24-hour curfew in Dutsinma LGA is necessary to ensure public safety and prevent further escalation of violence, vandalism, and looting of public and private properties, while the 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. curfew in the rest of the state is aimed at preventing nocturnal criminal activities and maintaining law and order throughout the state.
“Additionally, we wish to debunk the circulating rumors and misinformation that police personnel shot live ammo at protesters, resulting in loss of lives.
“We assure the members of the public that our officers exercised the maximum level of restraint and professionalism in handling the violent protesters.
“There is no record of any fatalities resulting from police actions as of the time of these reports”, the statement added.
