Following the violent turn of the #EndBadGovernance protests, a dusk-to-dawn curfew has been imposed on the Karu Local Government Area (LGA) of Nasarawa State.
The decision comes after incidents of destruction, looting, theft, highway blockades, and vandalism during demonstrations in the Mararraba area, located on the border between Nasarawa State and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
Government’s Decision
The media aide to the Karu LGA Chairman, Danbaba Magaji, announced the curfew in a statement on Thursday.
“The Executive Chairman of Karu Local Government Council, James Thomas, after due consideration, has imposed a curfew across Karu LGA from 6 pm to 6 am from today until further notice,” the statement read.
Reasons for the Curfew
Authorities cited the need for precautionary measures to ensure the full security of Karu LGA as the primary reason for the curfew.
“The curfew will restrict the movement of people, Okada and Keke riders, all shop owners, and motorists in Karu LGA,” the statement added.
Nationwide Protests
Thousands of mostly young people took to the streets across Nigeria on Thursday to protest against the country’s worst cost-of-living crisis in a generation. The protests prompted police to fire tear gas to disperse the crowds, with many businesses shuttering in fear of a repeat of the deadly 2020 demonstrations against police brutality or a wave of violence similar to last month’s protests in Kenya, where a tax hike led to chaos in the capital, Nairobi.
Carrying banners, bells, and Nigeria’s green-and-white flag, the protesters chanted songs and listed their demands. Among these were the reinstatement of gas and electricity subsidies, whose removal as part of the government’s reform efforts to grow the economy has had a knock-on effect on the price of almost everything.
Broader Implications
Just like Kano, Borno, and Yobe states, Nasarawa State has joined the ranks of regions imposing curfews to maintain order.
The curfew in Karu LGA underscores the broader challenges Nigeria faces as citizens express their discontent with economic hardships and governance issues.
The government’s response, including curfews and security measures, aims to prevent further violence and ensure the safety of residents.
As the situation continues to develop, residents are advised to comply with the curfew and stay indoors during the specified hours to avoid confrontation with security forces.
The authorities’ swift action reflects the urgency to restore peace and stability in the affected areas amidst the ongoing protests.