An eyewitness reported that hundreds of protesters, primarily youths, gathered at Shuwarin, a suburb of Dutse, to resume their demonstration.
Despite a 24-hour curfew imposed by the state government on Friday, some protesters in Jigawa returned to the streets to continue their protest. DSP Lawan Shiisu, spokesperson for the Jigawa Police Command, informed the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Dutse that at least 50 suspected troublemakers were arrested on Thursday.
Shiisu also confirmed that protesters had returned to the streets in Zai, Shuwarin, and Gumel towns, although he could not immediately provide the number of those arrested on Friday for curfew violations. He noted that the police and other security forces were actively managing the situation and had successfully dispersed the troublemakers.
“We have made arrests in Shuwarin and Zai, but I cannot provide an exact number right now as they are still being processed,” Shiisu said. “As for Gumel, we have not received reports of significant resistance from the hoodlums.”
However, NAN reported that on the second day of the nationwide protest, hundreds of youths continued to march in Dutse and Gumel Local Government Areas. An anonymous eyewitness mentioned that a combined security force was engaged with protesters trying to access public buildings and stores near the Zai area of Dutse.
Another resident from Zai, Malam Adamu Abubakar, reported that large groups of youths were chanting slogans and moving towards Dutse despite being met with tear gas from the police anti-riot squad.
Additional eyewitnesses saw protesters, mainly youths, regrouping at Shuwarin to continue their demonstration. The protesters were heading toward Dutse but were obstructed by security forces. According to the witnesses, without the intervention of security agencies who blocked the road to Dutse and used tear gas, the protesters might have invaded the city.
Garba Ibrahim, an eyewitness from Shuwarin, said the police had arrested some protesters, including teenagers. In contrast, the situation in Gumel LGA was relatively calm due to major roadblocks set up by security forces to prevent protesters from regrouping.
A reliable source from the area, who requested anonymity, indicated that there was significant tension and emphasized the need for urgent action to prevent potential casualties.
