Borno Governor Alleges 95% of Protesters Were Children Under 14

Borno Governor Alleges 95% of Protesters in Maiduguri Were Children Under 14 Years

Babagana Zulum, the governor of Borno State, has made a shocking allegation, stating that nearly 95% of the youths who participated in Thursday’s violent protests in Maiduguri were children under 14 years old. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Zulum made this statement in a broadcast to the people of Borno, where he also declared the lifting of the 24-hour curfew imposed on the state.

According to Zulum, most of the children who participated in the protests did not know why they were protesting, and many of them were not even from Borno State. He emphasized the need for the Almajiri education system to be regulated, stating that thousands of children were living in Maiduguri without proper care or supervision.

The governor also highlighted the destructive actions of the hoodlums who hijacked the protests, including the looting and destruction of public properties, including hospitals. He expressed relief that the attempts to attack the Maiduguri Emergency Power Gas Plant were thwarted by the gallant security forces.

Zulum emphasized that violence has no place in society and urged citizens to reject any call to arms or act of aggression. He reiterated his administration’s commitment to positively transforming the state, citing interventions in various sectors, including infrastructure, health, and education.

The governor also outlined the efforts his administration has made to provide palliatives, support farmers, and enhance food production. He expressed his administration’s plans to invest in irrigation agriculture and livestock development.

The allegations made by Zulum have raised concerns about the involvement of children in the violent protests and the need for authorities to address the root causes of the unrest.