The Borno State Police Command has declared a 24-hour curfew in the state capital, Maiduguri, following a violent protest by residents over the use of gunshots and teargas by security operatives.
The protest, which started peacefully, turned violent when security operatives fired gunshots and teargas to disperse the crowd. The protesters, who were demonstrating against the recent killing of a civilian by a security operative, became enraged and started throwing stones and burning tires.
The police, in a bid to restore order, declared a 24-hour curfew, restricting movement and gatherings in the state capital. The curfew, which was announced on Wednesday evening, will last until Thursday evening.
According to eyewitnesses, the protest started at the Post Office area of Maiduguri, where a group of youths gathered to demonstrate against the killing of a civilian by a security operative. The protesters, who were chanting slogans and carrying placards, were initially peaceful, but things took a turn for the worse when security operatives arrived at the scene.
"The security operatives started firing gunshots and teargas, and the protesters became angry and started throwing stones and burning tires," said an eyewitness. "The situation became chaotic, and people started running for their lives."
The police, in a statement, said the curfew was necessary to prevent further breakdown of law and order. "The curfew is to prevent further violence and ensure the safety of lives and properties," said the statement.
The protesters, who were mostly youths, were demanding justice for the civilian who was killed by a security operative. They were also protesting against the use of excessive force by security operatives in the state.
The incident has sparked widespread condemnation, with many residents expressing their disappointment and anger at the use of force by security operatives. "This is unacceptable," said a resident. "The security operatives should have used non-violent means to disperse the crowd."
The Borno State Government has also condemned the incident, promising to investigate and bring those responsible to justice. "We will not tolerate any form of violence or excessive use of force by security operatives," said a government statement.
The incident has raised concerns about the safety and security of residents in Borno State, which has been plagued by insurgency and violence in recent years. The state has witnessed several violent protests in recent months, with residents demanding better security and protection from the government.
In conclusion, the declaration of a 24-hour curfew in Borno State is a clear indication of the government's efforts to restore order and prevent further breakdown of law and order. However, the use of force by security operatives has sparked widespread condemnation, and there are calls for a more non-violent approach to crowd control. The incident has also raised concerns about the safety and security of residents in Borno State, and the government must take concrete steps to address these concerns.