Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, has stated that 95% of the youths involved in Thursday’s violent protests in Maiduguri were children under 14 years old.
Governor Zulum in a broadcast to the Borno people on Friday, announced the lifting of the 24-hour curfew imposed on the state and expressed concern over the participation of very young children in the nationwide #EndBadGovernance protests.
The Governor noted that many of these children, some as young as six, did not understand why they were protesting and were likely directed by others. He stressed that most of these children were not from Borno and stated the need for better care and supervision of children involved in Almajiri education.
“Over 95 per cent of those who participated in the so-called Thursday protests were children under 14 years. Most of them do not know why they are protesting.
“A six-year-old child carrying a placard is amazing; he must have been directed by someone. Most of those children are not from Borno.
“While we are not discouraging the Almajiri education, we must, however, have their teachers or guardians looking after them,” he said.
Zulum condemned the actions of hoodlums who hijacked the protests, resulting in the destruction and looting of public properties, including hospitals.
“In what could have been a major disaster, attempts were made by the hoodlums on several occasions to attack the Maiduguri Emergency Power Gas Plant, however, it was averted by our gallant security forces.
“Violence has no place in our society and I implore citizens to reject any call to arms or act of aggression.
“As we lift the curfew on Saturday, any person that engages in looting and violent activities will be dealt with accordingly,” he said.
Governor Zulum urged the people of Borno state to avoid any form of violence and unlawful behaviour after the curfew. He warned that anyone engaging in such activities would face legal consequences.
The governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to improving the state through investments in infrastructure, healthcare, and education. He mentioned ongoing efforts to support the community, including distributing food and essential items and providing farmers with fertilisers, seeds, and other agricultural inputs.
Additionally, Zulum announced plans for future investments in irrigation agriculture and livestock development to boost the state’s economy.
“We have distributed rounds of food and non-food items palliatives within Maiduguri and other LGAs, scaled up our support to farmers through sales of fertiliser, and provided seeds and farm inputs to enhance food production.
“We want to also invest in irrigation agriculture and livestock development,” he said.