August 03, (THEWILL) – The Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, has said that 95 percent of protesters who stormed the streets a fortnight ago, were children below 14 years old and Almajirs, who are not indigenes of the state.
The Governor reported how protesters turned violent and destroyed public and private property, a situation that forced the state security council to resolve and impose a curfew to prevent infiltration by Boko Haram, which planted bombs and killed 16 people and injured many in Kawuri, Konduga LGA.
In a statewide broadcast on Friday evening, Zulum stated that the nationwide protest in Borno was hijacked by hoodlums, who could have destroyed many public infrastructures if not for the timely intervention of the military and other security agencies.
“It is unfortunate that some hoodlums hijacked the protest, thereby causing harm to lives and property, which is unacceptable.
“Over 95 percent of those who participated in the so-called protest were children under 14 years old, and most of them did not even know why they were protesting.
“Most of those children are not from Borno State. While we are not discouraging Almajiri education, children must have their teachers, parents or guardians looking after them.
“A situation where thousands of children are staying in Maiduguri without care from anyone in the name of Almajirs must be looked into”, he warned.
He sympathised with the families affected by the Kawuri bomb attack, stating that it was necessary to impose the curfew to prevent Boko Haram elements from taking advantage and creating havoc in the state.
“As the curfew is now lifted, the Government will not hesitate to deal ruthlessly with anyone who breaks the law and order in the name of protest.
“I wish to commiserate with the families of those affected by this unfortunate incident and all the people of Borno State. I also sympathise with those injured and receiving medical care.
“In this time, we stand united in grief and solidarity as we condemn this act of senseless violence”, he said.
He urged the residents to resume their normal activities, assuring that the security of the state would not be compromised for any reason.
I am Ladi Dapson, a general writer with thewill. I cover Borno and Yobe states respectively.
I based Maiduguri, Borno State Capital.
I can be reached via [email protected].
Very high and kind regards!
