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From Timothy Olanrewaju, Maiduguri
Over 90 per cent of the anti-hardship protesters in Borno are children with many as young as six years, without knowledge of the essence of the protest.
Gov Babagana Zulum revealed this in a broadcast yesterday while giving update on Thursday’s protest that turned violent and compelled the government to impose a curfew.
“Over 90 per cent of those that participated in the Thursday so-called protest, are children under 14 years. Most of them do not even know why they are protesting,” he revealed.
He said the protesters also included six-year-old boys carrying placards, describing it as amazing. He alleged the boys “must have been directed by someone,” adding that most of the children that participated in the protest were Almajiris and not from the state
Zulum said his administration is not discouraging the Almajiri system, but wants parents and Islamic teachers to guide their children and students.
He said the protesters vandalized hospital drugs, beds and solar power installations.
The governor said the protesters were already moving from different locations to attack the Maiduguri Power Plant, the only source of energy to the capital. He said the security forces came to the rescue to thwart the threat.
He sympathised with those affected by the violence, warning that government will deal with perpetrators of violence, looting and vandalization, accordingly.
He also said his administration is not opposed to protest but insisted organizers must forward their request to relevant agencies.
The governor then announced a lifting of the curfew imposed on the state since Thursday afternoon based on the improvement in the security situation in Maiduguri and its environs.
