The Borno State government has declared a 24-hour curfew in response to ongoing nationwide hunger protests and a recent bomb blast in the state.
Nahum Kenneth Daso, spokesperson for the State Police Command, announced the curfew in a statement released on Thursday.
The decision comes in the aftermath of a bomb blast at a local tea shop in the state earlier on Wednesday.
According to reports, the explosion killed 19 people, however authorities have confirmed 16 deaths. The incident has aroused serious security concerns, necessitating swift action by state authorities.
“In view of the constitutional mandate of the Nigeria Police Force and other relevant security and law enforcement agencies toward preservation of law and order in the state, the curfew is deemed necessary,” said Daso. “You are all aware of the incident that took place at Kawori, where an improvised explosive device detonated, leading to the death of 16 persons and causing critical injuries to several others, who are now receiving treatment in various government hospitals in the state.”
The statement stressed that the curfew was declared in the overall interest of peace.
Daso further called on the residents of Borno State to remain calm and law-abiding during this period. “Further developments will be communicated to you accordingly,” the statement concluded.
