Protesters Defy Curfew, Return To Streets In Jigawa

Despite the 24 hours curfew imposed by the Jigawa State Government on protests, hundreds of youths continued the protest against hardship for the second day in some part of Dutse, the Jigawa State capital.

LEADERSHIP reports that a combined team of security agencies were battling with protesters around Zai area of the city, blocking them from trooping into the commercial and other areas of the state capital as well as major buildings and stores.

A resident of Zai Quarters told our correspondent that thousands of youths who were chanting different anti-government slogans resisted the teargas fired to desperse them by the security operatives.

However, at Shuwarin area in the outskirts of Dutse, thousands of youths regrouped and continued with demonstrations for the second day.

The protestants who were attempting to get into the state capital centre were however blocked by heavy security mounted to barricade the road who fired teargas to disperse the protesters.

An eyewitness in the area confirmed that youths, including underage boys were arrested by the police on Friday.

In Gumel town, the situation was relatively calm as security agents blocked major roads and prevented protesters from regrouping.

The situation however turned volatile as the number of available security operatives were not enough to contain the youths for a long period.