By Ankeli Emmanuel (In Sokoto State)
The Sokoto State Police Command has arrested no fewer than 81 protesters on Thursday, saying they are miscreants.
A statement by the Sokoto Police Command's spokesperson, ASP Ahmad Rufai, said the Commissioner of Police (CP) Ali Kaigama remained committed to providing adequate security for protesters in the state but would not tolerate acts of criminality while protest last.
"In a commendable display of swift action, professionalism and dedication to public safety, the Sokoto State Police Command in synergy with other security agencies in the State had successfully apprehended eighty one (81) miscreants.
Giving reasons for the arrest, the Police statement maintained that, the Protest started at the early hours of Thursday under a very close security watch until around 03:00pm where it started becoming violent and unruly.
"Bill boards in front of Government House and Iron Rail demarcation of some Major roads within the State were Vandalized.
"In the quest to maintain law and order within the State and to avoid further Breaking of shops and looting of warehouses among other nefarious activities, the Joint Patrol was able to make the arrest".
While admitting that peaceful protest is the constitutional rights of citizens, CP Kaigama however said they would not allow destruction of public infrastructures and other actions capable of inciting conflicts from the protesters. NNL.
