The Borno State government has imposed a 24-hour curfew in response to ongoing nationwide hunger protests and a recent bomb explosion in the State.

The curfew announcement was made by the spokesperson for the State Police Command, Nahum Kenneth Daso, in a statement on Thursday.

The decision comes in the wake of a bomb explosion at a local tea joint in the state earlier on Wednesday.

Reports indicated that the explosion resulted in the deaths of 19 people, although the police have confirmed 16 fatalities. The incident has raised significant security concerns, prompting immediate action from state authorities.

“In view of the constitutional mandate of the Nigeria Police Force and other relevant security and law enforcement agencies toward preservation of law and order in the state, the curfew is deemed necessary,” said Daso. “You are all aware of the incident that took place at Kawori, where an improvised explosive device detonated, leading to the death of 16 persons and causing critical injuries to several others, who are now receiving treatment in various government hospitals in the state.”

The statement emphasised that the curfew was declared in the interest of peace. “In line with our constitutional mandate towards the restoration of law and order, His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Borno State, Prof. Babagana Umar Zulum, in consultation with heads of security in the state, finds it expedient to declare a 24-hour curfew in the state with immediate effect.”

Daso called on the residents of Borno State to remain calm and law-abiding during this period. “Further developments will be communicated to you accordingly,” the statement concluded.