Massive Kano #EndBadGovernance protesters defy curfew, as security men begin brutal crackdown
By Ishaya Ibrahim
The #EndBadGovernance protesters in Kano defied the 24-hour curfew on Saturday to march on the street.
Despite being met by a brutal resistance from a combined military and police operatives who fired in the air, the protesters refused to relent.
The Kano government had slammed a 24-hour curfew after some of the protesters went rogue and almost overran the Government House on day one of the protest. They also looted and vandalized government properties.
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A military officer told our correspondent that they were having difficulty containing the protesters who appeared determined to make their voices heard.
Earlier, the police and operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) opened fire at #EndBadGovernance protesters at the Moshood Abiola Stadium in Abuja.
The protesters who returned to the venue after initially shunning the place for street procession on day one and day two, had assembled with flags and placards.
But the policemen and DSS operatives on ground at the stadium fired at the protesters.
Some of the protesters ran into their vehicles and fled.
A car belonging to a Premium Times reporter was shot at while in motion.
Meanwhile, Kano State government has vowed to bring to book the masterminds behind the violence and destructions that marred the end of bad governance protest in the state.
The Deputy Governor, Comrade Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, made this known in an interview with the BBC Hausa monitored by our correspondent in Kano.
Gwarzo said that some politicians with sinister motives allegedly sponsored the unfortunate incident to destroy the state.
According to him, “The government had credible intelligence and evidence that the politicians sponsored the incidents, and we are working diligently to ensure the masterminds and their foot soldiers who perpetrated the heinous acts are brought to justice. The government will not rest on its oars until all the masterminds and perpetrators are brought to book.
“Security agents have embarked on house-to-house search operations, and have recovered 40 to 50 per cent of the stolen items such as computers among others. We commend the people who cooperated and provided credible information on the looted properties leading to the recoveries. We call on parents not to accommodate stolen items in their houses.
“Let me use this opportunity to appeal to the good people of the state to be patient and continue to obey the law and order as the government is working hard to ensure the situation improves.
“The curfew will continue as security personnel monitor the situation. They will advise on the next steps. When they are convinced that the situation has improved, they will recommend relaxing the curfew.
“We also call on parents to take responsibility for their children. Stop your children from participating in these kinds of bad acts that lead to regret,” the Deputy Governor, Comrade Gwarzo said.