Post poll violence mars Nigeria's peaceful vote
From Enenche Akogwu, WADR’s Special Correspondent, Kano
An indefinite curfew has been imposed in and around the northern Nigerian state of Kano, following an outbreak of violence which erupted in the ancient commercial city yesterday, resulting in the death of dozens of people.
The Kano State Commissioner of Police Dan’azumi Doma announced the emergency security measure after a meeting of heads of security agencies at the state government in Kano, Malam Ibrahim Shekarau.
WADR’s Special Correspondent in Kano said the Police Commissioner declared that the curfew would be in place until further notice, and warned residents of Kano to remain at home, because anyone found violating the curfew, would be arrested and prosecuted.
Doma said “we have imposed an indefinite curfew in Kano state with immediate effect, so all law abiding citizens are advised in their own interest to go to their respective homes and wait for further notice.
“The security agencies are ready to clamp down on anybody who is found on the streets, causing problem.”
As early as 8 o’clock in the morning, thousands of irate youth took to the streets, burning homes and mounting road blocks on some major roads across the city, forcing residents to run for their lives.
Most Parts of Kano city, especially Hotoro, Badawa, Sharada, Na’bawa, and Dakata, the aggrieved youth attacked homes of some supposed pro-Jonathan politicians, in what is now believed to be a clear case of post election violence.
Former Speaker of Nigeria’s House of Representatives, Alhaji Ghali Umar Na’aba, Jigawa State Governor, Alhaji Sule Lamido, Alhaji Bashir Othman Tofa and an aid of the Kano State Governor, all had their houses burnt down by the protesting youth, who are believed to be between the ages of 15 and 20.
A company, said to belong to Governor Sule Lamido was also vandalized, while the Palace of the Emir of Kano was also touched.
Some churches in the Badawa and Na’bawa areas were burnt down, by the youth, who later attempted to attack the Kano State Government House, before they were dispersed by security agents, who fired gun shots sporadically for about ten minutes.
The youths alleged manipulation of some results of the Presidential election in favour of the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP), and the perceived connivance of some northern politicians with President Jonathan to stop General Mohammadu Buhari of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC).
According to WADR’s Correspondent the situation remains tense so far, as most streets are empty and businesses under lock and key, with military and police personnel seen either positioned in strategic locations or patrolling the streets to forestall further spread of the violence.
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