Borno Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, has expressed shock over the involvement of children in recent protests in the state, saying over 95% of the protesters were under 14.
In a statement issued on Saturday by his Senior Special Assistant on Social Media, Abdulrahman Bundi, and obtained by Nigerian Tribune in Maiduguri, Zulum lamented that most of the children were unaware of the reasons behind their actions, describing the situation as “astonishing”.
He said, “It’s astonishing to see a six-year-old child carrying a placard. They must have been directed by someone.”
According to him, many of the children were not from Borno State.
Zulum’s comments followed a recent bomb attack in Kawuri town and other places, which resulted in the loss of innocent lives.
He condemned the violence, sympathized with those injured, and imposed a curfew to prevent further loss of lives and properties due to possible infiltration by Boko Haram/ISWAP insurgents.
The governor urged citizens to express their grievances peacefully and lawfully, without resorting to violence, vandalism, or looting.
He assured citizens that his administration is committed to addressing the challenges facing the state, including improving infrastructure, investing in education and healthcare, and providing palliatives to affected communities.
Zulum pledged to continue working with the Federal Government to bring relief to the people of Borno.
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