Potiskum, Yobe State – Seven mass transit buses were set ablaze on the premises of the Potiskum Local Government secretariat on Thursday, August 1, 2024, as protests against economic hardship turned violent. The incident occurred despite the efforts of security personnel to prevent the mayhem.
According to eyewitnesses, a group of individuals attempted to cause chaos, but were quickly stopped by security forces.
Dungus Abdulkarim, Spokesman for the Yobe State Police Command, confirmed the incident and vowed to bring the perpetrators to justice.
The protests, which began on August 1 and are scheduled to last until August 10, have been marred by violence in some areas. In response, the Yobe State government has imposed a 24-hour curfew in Potiskum, Gashua, and Nguru towns, effective immediately.
Dairy Abdulsalam, Special Adviser to Governor Mai Mala Buni on Security Matters, urged residents to comply with the curfew and stay indoors to ensure peace and order in the affected areas. Security agencies have been directed to enforce the curfew and ensure full compliance.
The protests, which are taking place across the country, aim to draw attention to economic hardship and governance issues.
However, the violence and vandalism that have accompanied the protests in some areas have raised concerns about public safety and security.
