Tambuwal takes proactive measure, declares 24-hour curfew as ‘blasphemy’ protests break out in Sokoto

Government of Sokoto State, South West Nigeria has declared a 24-hour curfew in effort to douse the tension generated by protests in the state capital, which started in the morning and ran through afternoon.

Earlier on Saturday, Muslim youth had taken to the streets protesting against blaspheming of Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and demanding the release of two students arrested in connection with the killing of a female student of Shehu Shagari College of Education for the same reason.

To avoid escalation of the protest, Governor of the state, Alhaji Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, has declared the 24-hour curfew with immediate effect.

In a broadcast statement obtained by The DEFENDER, the Governor said:

“Fellow citizens of Sokoto state!

“Following the sad incident that happened at the Shehu Shagari College of Education on Thursday and sequel to the developments within (Sokoto) metropolis this morning till afternoon, by the powers conferred on me by sections 176(2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria; and section 1 and 4 of the Public Order Act; and, also Section 15 of Sokoto State Peace Preservation Law, I hereby declare, with immediate effect, a curfew within (Sokoto) metropolis of Sokoto township for the next 24 hours.

“I appeal to the good people of Sokoto state to kindly continue to observe law and order and calm down (on the) restiveness currently pervading in the metropolis.

“Everyone should, please, in the interest of peace go back home and observe this measures, with a view of the reestablishment of peace, law and order in the state.

“It is not in the interest of anyone for us to have a breakdown of law and order. I, therefore, appeal for restraint; and, for people to observe and respect the rule of law.

“Thank you very much!”