Protesters defy curfew, return to the streets in Jigawa

Scores of youths have returned to the streets in parts of Dutse, Jigawa State, despite the 24-hour curfew imposed by the state government.

DAILY POST reports that the government had declared curfew after widespread violence and destruction on the first day of the nationwide protest.

At the moment, security agencies are said to be battling with the protesters around the Zai area of the city.

Residents of Zai quarters said the the security personnel are struggling to prevent the protesters from mounting roadblocks but the youths are fighting back.

“They have refused to beat retreat despite the teargas thrown at them by the security personnel,” a resident who pleaded anonymity said.

It was further gathered that at Shuwarin, in the outskirts of Dutse, youths have regrouped and continued with the demonstration for the second day.

The protesters are attempting to get into the main parts of the state capital but are being restricted by security operatives.

An eyewitness in Shuwarin said several youths, including under-aged boys, have been arrested by the Police.

In Gumel town, the situation was relatively calm as security operatives blocked all major roads to prevent the protesters from regrouping.