Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum claims 95 percent of the youngsters who took part in Thursday’s violent protests in Maiduguri were under the age of 14.
Governor Zulum made this statement in a broadcast to the people of Borno, where he also announced the removal of the state’s 24-hour curfew.
According to the governor, a scenario in which hundreds of youngsters were living in Maiduguri under the name Almajiri and receiving no care from anybody needed to be investigated.
Governor Zulum stated that some of the hoodlums who hijacked the Maiduguri protests destroyed and looted public assets, including hospitals.
In his words, the Governor Zulum said:
“Over 95 per cent of those who participated in the so-called Thursday protests were children under 14 years. Most of them do not know why they are protesting.
“A six- year-old child carrying a placard is amazing; he must have been directed by someone. Most of those children are not from Borno.
“While we are not discouraging the Almajiri education, we must however have their teachers or guardians looking after them.
In what could have been a major disaster, attempts were made by the hoodlums on several occasions to attack the Maiduguri Emergency Power Gas Plant, however, it was averted by our gallant security forces.
“Violence has no place in our society and I implore citizens to reject any call to arms or act of aggression.
“As we lift the curfew on Saturday, any person that engages in looting and violent activities will be dealt with accordingly.”
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cc: Daily Post Ng
