After an attack on both government-run and privately owned food stores on Sunday, the governor of Adamawa State imposed a 24-hour curfew on the entire state.
Reporters were told by witnesses that the looters expressed frustration as a result of the removal of fuel subsidy and the high cost of food.
“Aside from food items, people were also seen with items such as generator sets, mattresses, and other non-food items were said to have been looted from stores owned by private individuals,” a resident, Manu Haruna said.
The curfew was declared on Sunday afternoon by the governor's chief press secretary, Humwashi Wonosikou.
He said the government had no choice but to declare the sit-at-home order to check the activities of the looters in the state capital looting shops and stores.
“The Governor of Adamawa State, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, has declared a 24-hour curfew on the state, effective immediately Sunday 30th July 2023.
“Governor Fintiri said the curfew followed the dangerous dimension the activities of hoodlums had assumed across the state capital as they attacked people with matches and broke into business premises carting away property.
“With the curfew imposed, there will be no movement throughout the state.
“Fintiri said only those on essential duties with valid identification would be permitted to move around during the period of the curfew.
“The Governor is appealing to citizens and residents of the state to comply with the directive, adding that any person found contravening the order would be arrested and made to face the wrath of the law,” Mr Wonosikou wrote in the Sunday press release.
Similar warnings were issued by the state's police headquarters, which urged citizens to adhere to the law and avoid illegal gatherings.
Afolabi Babatola, the state's police commissioner, claimed that a team made up of officers from several units had been sent out to implement the state government imposed 24-hour curfew.
