Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno has claimed that 95 percent of the youths involved in Thursday’s violent protests in Maiduguri were children under the age of 14.
In a broadcast to the people of Borno, Zulum announced the lifting of the 24-hour curfew previously imposed on the state.
“Over 95 percent of those who participated in the Thursday protests were children under 14 years. Most of them do not understand the reason for their protests. A six-year-old child carrying a placard is astonishing; they must have been directed by someone. Many of these children are not from Borno,” Zulum stated. “While we support Almajiri education, it is essential that their teachers or guardians properly supervise them.”
Zulum highlighted the need to address the issue of thousands of unsupervised children living in Maiduguri under the Almajiri system. He noted that some of the protesters’ actions included destroying and looting public properties, such as hospitals.
“Attempts by hoodlums to attack the Maiduguri Emergency Power Gas Plant were averted by our gallant security forces, preventing what could have been a major disaster,” he said. “Violence has no place in our society, and I urge citizens to reject any calls to arms or acts of aggression. As we lift the curfew on Saturday, any individual involved in looting or violent activities will face consequences.”
Zulum reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to transforming the state positively, particularly in infrastructure, health, and education sectors.
“We have distributed rounds of food and non-food items as palliatives within Maiduguri and other LGAs, increased support to farmers through the sale of fertilizers, and provided seeds and farm inputs to boost food production. We also plan to invest in irrigation agriculture and livestock development,” Zulum added.
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