Jigawa State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of 212 suspects in connection with destruction of properties, looting and vandalism in the ongoing nationwide protest.
This was made known by the Commissioner of Police, CP, Mr Ahmadu Abdullahi on Saturday while briefing newsmen on measures being taken by the command to restore normalcy in the state.
According to Abdullahi, 72 of those arrested have already been charged to court.
He revealed that the command recovered about 303 bags of fertilizer, three tricycles, 50 motorcycles, nine chairs, 54 cartons of mosquito net, office furniture and two bags of rice.
The CP stated that a series of proactive measures were taken by security agencies while preparing for the protest that kicked off on August 1 to prevent violence and protect lives and properties.
He lamented that some unscrupulous persons engaged teenagers to unleash violence and destroy public properties, especially at palliative shops in Yalwawa, Shuwarin, and Government House, Dutse.
“The teenagers have shown unruly behaviour by refusing to listen to our appeals. They have ignored warnings and pleas to desist from violence and instead chose to engage in destructive behavior.
“Their actions have resulted in widespread destruction of government properties and disruption of economic activities in the state.
“When all appeals failed, the security agencies were left with no option other than to use minimum force to disperse the violent protesters”, he said.
