Gombe Governor Explains Decision Against Curfew Amid Protests

• Gombe Governor Inuwa Yahaya explained the decision against a curfew after protests, citing the need to avoid further hardship for citizens
• Yahaya emphasized that while peaceful protests are allowed, violence and destruction contradict democratic principles and threaten the stability of Gombe State

Gombe State Governor Alhaji Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has explained why his government chose not to impose a curfew after a peaceful protest against hunger was hijacked by hoodlums on Thursday.

Protests erupted across Nigeria on Thursday, with citizens blocking major roads and demanding President Bola Ahmed Tinubu reverse policies they say have worsened hunger. In several states, hoodlums hijacked the protests, leading to destruction and looting of properties.

In Gombe, protesters gathered at the gates of the Government House. The initially peaceful protest turned violent when miscreants began destroying public and private buildings and stealing valuable items. As violence escalated, shop owners and traders in Gombe hired vigilantes and hunters to protect their shops.

Other states, including Kano, Jigawa, Yobe, and Borno, imposed 24-hour curfews to prevent further violence. However, Governor Yahaya decided against a curfew to avoid further hardship for the people.

In a statement released Friday by his spokesperson, Ismaila Uba Misilli, Yahaya expressed sorrow over the damage caused by the violence. He emphasized that his administration would not tolerate actions threatening the state’s stability.

Yahaya stated, “Gombe is known for its peace, and we must preserve it. We cannot allow actions that threaten our stability. We have no state other than Gombe. We understand that there are challenges and hardships, but we must not resort to violence and destruction to express our feelings or concerns.”

He continued, “Let me clarify: we are not against peaceful protest. Democracy and our laws grant the right to express oneself, but yesterday’s events contradicted democratic principles and violated the law. We are ready to support any peaceful demonstration, and the police are prepared to protect protesters exercising their constitutional rights, as long as they follow the rules. What we cannot allow is a breakdown of law and order.”