The Bauchi State Government has imposed a 24-hour curfew on Bauchi, Alkaleri and Kirfi towns following attacks by insurgents in Alkaleri and Kirfi Local Government Areas of the state.
This was contained in a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary, Specialties Services, Malam Abdu Illelah, and made available to newsmen on Sunday in Bauchi.
The statement said Governor Isa Yuguda approved the curfew as part of measures to protect lives and property, adding that it was with immediate effect.
The statement said reports reaching the state government indicated that there was fierce battle between the military and suspected insurgents a few kilometres outside Bauchi town.
The statement said: “The insurgents had earlier attacked Kirfi and Alakaleri Local Government Areas of the state.
“In view of the imminent danger this development could have on Bauchi metropolis and its environs, Governor Isa Yuguda has approved a 24-hour curfew with immediate effect, to protect lives and property.
“All residents are advised to remain indoors and be law-abiding until the military takes control of the situation, after which the curfew would be reviewed.”
Meanwhile, the gubernatorial candidate of the All Progressives Congress in the state, Malam Mohammed Abubakar, has kicked against the curfew.
Abubakar told newsmen that the decision was politically motivated.