Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal of Sokoto state has imposed curfew on the state metropolis over the violent protest by youths who were demanding the release of two suspects arrested in connection with the killing of Deborah Emmanuel over alleged blasphemy.
The governor in a statement on Saturday said the curfew became necessary in order to restore law and order to the state following students’ unrest that led to the killing of Emmanuel, a student at Shehu Shagari College of Education, Sokoto.
Tambuwal appealed to the people of the state to refrain from violence and be law-abiding.
He said, “Following the sad incident that happened at the Shehu Shagari College of Education on Thursday and sequel to the developments within (Sokoto) metropolis this morning till afternoon, by the powers conferred on me by Section 176 (2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria; and Sections 1 and 4 of the Public Order Act; and, also Section 15 of Sokoto State Peace Preservation Law, I hereby declare, with immediate effect, a curfew within (Sokoto) metropolis of Sokoto township for the next 24 hours.
“I appeal to the good people of Sokoto State to kindly continue to observe law and order and calm down (on the) restiveness currently pervading in the metropolis.
“Everyone should, please, in the interest of peace go back home and observe this measure, with a view to reestablishing peace, law and order in the state.
“It is not in the interest of anyone for us to have a breakdown of law and order. I, therefore, appeal for restraint; and for people to observe and respect the rule of law. Thank you very much.”
