Concerning the protest, Kebbi State Governor, Comrade Nasir Idris, has strongly cautioned against the incitement of troublemakers into Kebbi.
Idris delivered the warning in a broadcast to the state’s residents on Friday in response to the initial day of protests.
In his statement, the governor mentioned, “We have received information indicating that there are efforts to bring troublemakers from other locations into Kebbi, particularly in Birnin Kebbi, Argungu, Jega, Yauri, and Zuru town.
“Those familiar with the people of Kebbi State know that they are individuals who consistently uphold the laws of the land, and engaging in protests is not typical for us. However, some individuals are attempting to force it upon us to serve their own interests.”
In a responsible stance, Idris asserted that his government will not permit individuals who do not have the well-being of the populace in mind to exploit the protest for damaging public infrastructure, shops, and other assets.
“Reports suggest that some individuals intend to target the water board to carry out acts of vandalism. It is perplexing to hear that they are focusing on the water board. What intentions do they harbor towards a facility that provides water to the public?
“This clearly indicates that certain malevolent elements are seeking to disrupt the peace that the people of Kebbi currently enjoy,” emphasized the governor.
He urged the protesters to consider the significance of upholding peace in the state and to set aside the protest for the greater good of peace and advancement in Kebbi.
“If you damage public infrastructure, you are harming the people of Kebbi. If you vandalize people’s shops and steal their possessions, it is the residents of Kebbi who will endure the consequences,” stated Idris.
Despite this, he assured that his administration is actively working to address the grievances of the people of Kebbi.
“Hence, we implore the organizers of this protest to reconsider putting an end to it. They may only be aware of the beginning, but the outcome remains unknown.
“While you may have noble intentions behind the protest, there might be others with malevolent motives, and any destruction during the protest in Kebbi will only disadvantage the people of Kebbi.”
He further disclosed that authentic information at the government’s disposal indicated that the protesters also planned to damage the solar street lights, questioning the benefit to the protesters.