The Gombe State Government yesterday declared a 24-hour curfew on Billiri Local Government Area due to the violence that erupted in Billiri town over the appointment of a new Mai Tangale.
Addressing newsmen, the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi, said the erstwhile peaceful protest had degenerated into a security threat.
He said the curfew, which took effect from 6pm yesterday, was to ensure peaceful coexistence among the citizenry.
Prof Njodi said the state government was committed towards the protection of lives and property of the people.
“The government has suspended all forms of gathering in Billiri Local Government Area. All the security agencies are hereby directed to ensure strict compliance with this directive.
“All the residents of Billiri are expected to comply with the directive, except those personnel providing essential services,” he said.
Daily Trust Saturday recalls that a group of women and children from Billiri town and neighbouring villages had blocked the Gombe-Yola highway for over three days, protesting what they described as delay in the appointment of a new Mai Tangale by Governor Inuwa Yahaya.
The incident trapped many motorists plying the highway to and from Adamawa, Taraba and Benue states, as well as other parts of the country, leaving hundreds of motorists stranded. Some of the vehicles were carrying animals and perishable items.
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