Despite the 24-hour curfew imposed by the Jigawa state government, hundreds of youths have defied the restrictions and returned to the streets in parts of Dutse, the state capital.
The curfew was declared following widespread violence and destruction during the first day of a nationwide exercise.
Currently, security agencies are engaged in intense efforts to control the situation, particularly around the Zai area of Dutse. A resident of Zai quarters, who requested anonymity, reported that security operatives are struggling to prevent the youths from setting up roadblocks, with the protesters resisting despite the use of teargas by the authorities. “They have refused to beat retreat despite the teargas thrown at them by the security personnel,” the resident said.
In Shuwarin, on the outskirts of Dutse, youths have regrouped and continued their demonstrations for the second consecutive day. The protesters are attempting to advance into the main parts of the state capital but are being held back by security operatives. An eyewitness in Shuwarin reported that dozens of youths, including under-aged boys, have been arrested by the police.
Meanwhile, in Gumel town, the situation remains relatively calm as security operatives have blocked all major roads to prevent protesters from regrouping.
Efforts to obtain updates on the situation in other areas such as Hadejia, Birnin Kudu, Jahun, and Kazaure were unsuccessful due to poor communication networks at the time of filing this report.
