The #EndBadGovernance protest in Kano State took a surprising turn on Monday as protesters were seen holding banners featuring the Russian flag. The demonstrators, primarily underage boys, chanted songs in Hausa and ran through the streets in a show of defiance.
This development came just a day after the Kano State Government relaxed the curfew imposed following violence that had accompanied earlier protests. State Commissioner for Information, Baba Dantiye, announced in an audio message to Channels Television on Saturday that the curfew would be relaxed from 8 am to 2 pm starting Sunday, August 4.
“Having reviewed the curfew and worried by the situation the people have gotten in as a result of the curfew, His Excellency has directed that the curfew be relaxed now from 8 am tomorrow, Sunday, August 4 to 2 pm respectively,” Dantiye stated.
He reiterated the state government’s commitment to the protection of lives and property in Kano. “The government is concerned about the security of lives and properties, that was why a curfew was imposed for 24 hours. This will continue, and the situation will continue to be reviewed. When the security situation improves, the decision will be taken for a further review. I hope the people will comply,” he added.
Dantiye explained that the curfew relaxation aimed to enable people to conduct their normal business during the specified period. He also extended Governor Abba Yusuf’s condolences to the families who lost loved ones and property during the protests that had been hijacked by hoodlums.
The 10-day protest against bad governance and economic hardship has seen participation in many states nationwide. In Kano, hoodlums attacked and looted public and private properties, including the newly built Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC) Industrial Park, which was set ablaze. The Information and Communication Technology (ICT) centre, scheduled for commissioning next week, suffered significant damage as youths made off with desktop computers, chairs, keyboards, and other appliances.
The Kano police command reported the arrest of about 269 suspects involved in the looting of public properties during the protests.