Police nab suspects for looting, destruction during protests in Katsina

The Katsina State Police Command has apprehended over fifty suspects in connection with the destruction and looting of government and public properties during Thursday’s nationwide protests.

In a statement, the spokesman for the Katsina Police Command, Abubakar Sadiq, emphasized that efforts have been intensified to arrest individuals involved in the looting of private and public properties.

The statement urged parents and guardians to caution their children and wards against engaging in unlawful activities, including violent protests, vandalism, and looting.

The statement further urged the youths to exercise restraint and avoid being used as tools to perpetuate violence.

According to the statement, the command, in collaboration with sister security agencies, will be conducting regular patrols to ensure total compliance with the curfew imposed across the state, adding that anyone found violating the curfew will be dealt with decisively.

It also appealed to the general public to cooperate with the security agencies and stay indoors during the curfew hours.

“Let’s work together to maintain peace and order in our state.

“Due to the current security concerns in light of the nationwide protests turning violent in some parts of the state, the Katsina State Police Command commenced enforcement of the Katsina State Government imposed a 24-hour curfew in Dutsinma Local Government Area (LGA) and a 7:00 pm to 7:00 am curfew in the rest of the Local Government Areas (LGAs) in the state, effective immediately.

“The 24-hour curfew in Dutsinma LGA is necessary to ensure public safety and prevent further escalation of violence, vandalism, and looting of public and private properties, while the 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. curfew in the rest of the state is aimed at preventing nocturnal criminal activities and maintaining law and order throughout the state.

“Additionally, we wish to debunk the circulating rumors and misinformation that police personnel shot live ammo at protesters, resulting in loss of lives.

“We assure the members of the public that our officers exercised the maximum level of restraint and professionalism in handling the violent protesters.

“There is no record of any fatalities resulting from police actions as of the time of these reports”, the statement added.