The Kwara state Governor, AbulRahman AbdulRazak has declared a 24-hour curfew in Ilorin metropolis from midnight of October 23rd, 2020.

This followed a high level of criminality and looting of some businesses centres as well as large scale destruction of public properties across the metropolis.

“I have just had an emergency security meeting with commanders of various security agencies in the state. This is to assess the situation in the state. Over the last few days, I had earlier met with the traditional rulers, opinion leaders, members of the student community, and many other stakeholders in the state.”

“Our observation is that what has happened so far today was not a protest. It cannot be defended under any guise.”

The Governor further explained that as lives are being threatened “he government has a duty to protect law abiding citizens and their properties, businesses are being looted. Public properties have been targeted. This is unacceptable. It is not who we are.”

“To curb these acts of criminalities, I hereby declare a 24-hour curfew in Ilorin metropolis from midnight today October 23rd, 2020. This is in line with Sections 1, 2 and 4 of the Public Order Act Chapter 382 Laws of Federation of Nigeria 2004.”

He directed residents to stay indoors in compliance with the curfew as it be reviewed as events unfold, while security forces have been placed on the alert to maintain strict compliance.

He apologise to business owners that have been badly hurt and urged them to be calm while the security agents stop the criminality.