Police Enforce 24-hour Curfew in Kano Following Governor’s Dismissal

In an unexpected turn of events, the police command in Kano state has proclaimed a rigorous adherence to a 24-hour curfew, commencing from 6 p.m. on Wednesday, September 20. 

This pronouncement is understood to materialize as an instrumental part of the protocols to sustain lawfulness and tranquility in the state. 

The abrupt removal of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf from his position by the Kano governorship election petition tribunal has led to this situation, ushering Nasir Gawuna of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the helm as the winner of the 2023 election. 

A constant curfew has been enforced in Kano state in response to the court’s decree, which led to the ousting of the state governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf. 

On Wednesday, September 20, Police Commissioner (CP) Muhammad Gumel conveyed in a statement he personally inked that a collaborative force of security personnel has been mobilized to different parts of the city to ensure the curfew’s implementation.

Police announce curfew in Kano

“Due to the prevailing circumstances following the announcement of the sacking of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, and to prevent any hint of disturbance in the state, a 24-hour curfew has hereby been imposed.”

The police forces emphasised that the curfew will be in effect until further notice. Their main focus is to maintain law and order, and to avoid any potential outbreaks of violence or unrest which might take place due to the sudden political change. 

Maintaining Peace and Order 

The Nigerian police force described the curfew as a necessary measure to ensure that peace prevails through every corner of Kano. The decision underscores the force’s commitment to the protection of the citizens and their private properties. Consequently, businesses, education institutions, and public services have temporally been paused to observe the curfew. 

Meanwhile, the police strongly urged all residents to comply with this directive. They urged citizens, in the strongest terms possible, to remain at their respective homes until the completion of the curfew period. Failure to observe the curfew, as per the police, will result in legal consequences for the offenders. 

Political Response 

The sacking of Yusuf culminated in the most dramatic twist in the Kano political landscape. The NNPP, the party which Yusuf represents, vehemently protested the courts’ decision and are currently evaluating their options. Yet, the NNPP called for calm and restraint among its supporters, urging them to respect the enforcement of the curfew. 

Meanwhile, the major opposing party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), has added fuel to the fire by signing in on the court’s decision as well. They urged their supporters to maintain peace and abide by the curfew rules. 

What Lies Ahead? 

The political and social sector in Kano are eagerly waiting to see how this situation unfolds. The sacking of Governor Yusuf has certainly triggered unprecedented ramifications which will shape Kano’s political future. The situation remains fluid, with the heightened police presence throughout the city serving as permanent, foreboding reminders of the state’s immediate past. As the 24-hour curfew continues to grip the city, what lies ahead remains an uncertainty.

The decision to restrict movement in Kano comes hours after the tribunal removed Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) from office.

The police‘s statement partly reads: “Twenty-Four Hours (24hrs) Curfew order as communicated by the State Government via letter with Reference No: K/SEC/H/435/T.1/153 dated 20th September 2023 taking effect from 6 pm of Wednesday, 20th September to 6 pm of Thursday, 21st September 2023.

“Violators will be arrested and made to face the full wrath of the law.”