As the nationwide protests against hardship in the country turned violent in Jigawa State on Thursday, and to avoid further escalation of the situation, the state government has imposed an indefinite 24-hour curfew in the state.

The state governor, Malam Umar Namadi, who announced the curfew in a broadcast on Thursday night, described the situation in the state as very unfortunate and never a solution to people’s demands.

“The situation in which the peaceful demonstration turned violent characterised by destruction and looting is totally unaccepted, and it is not in our culture. Therefore, we will not allow it to continue unabated.

“To ensure the return of peace and stability, we announce 24-hour curfew, however for the sake of Friday prayer, the curfew will be relaxed between 12:00 to 02:30pm to allow people to attend Friday prayer.

“Together with security agencies, we will continue to study the situation and take appropriate action to safeguard the lives and properties of people against miscreants and hoodlums across the state,” Governor Namadi declared.