Jigawa Police arrest 212 protesters, charge 74 to court

By Umar Akilu Majeri Dutse

The Jigawa State Police Command has arrested 212 people suspected of participating in the destruction and looting of public properties during the ongoing anti-hunger protest in the state.

The Commissioner of Police, Mr. A.T. Abdullahi, disclosed this while parading the suspects at the police headquarters, stating that 74 of them have already been charged to court for alleged destruction of properties and breach of public peace.

CP Abdullahi said, “Though the protesters did not seek any permission from the security agencies, we deemed it necessary to give them protection.

“However, instead of the protesters to go peacefully, unfortunately, they turned violent, attacking public places, including the Dutse Government House.”

He added that the situation forced the police to use minimum force to disperse the protesters and maintain law and order in the state. The commissioner also noted that the protest turned violent in about seven local government areas of the state.

The police commissioner reiterated that the command would continue to maintain law and order in the state, while also protecting the rights of citizens to peacefully protest.