The Yobe State Government has removed the midnight curfew earlier enforced across the state, allowing residents to observe the Ramadan fast without hindrance.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Matters, Brig.-Gen. Dahiru Abdulsalam (retd.), disclosed the development on Wednesday following a State Security Council meeting chaired by the Deputy Governor, Idi Barde Gubana.
Abdulsalam explained that the council reassessed the security landscape and agreed to ease the curfew so Muslim faithful could freely engage in religious obligations during the fasting season.
He stated, “The council reviewed the security situation across the state and resolved that the relaxation of the midnight curfew has become necessary to enable the Muslim faithful to observe Ramadan peacefully and without restrictions.”
He pointed out that Ramadan involves activities including preaching, seminars, congregational prayers, iftar and Qiyamul Lail, many of which continue late into the night.
“The meeting was convened to critically assess and analyse the security situation in the state and to ensure that citizens observe the 30 days of Ramadan in peace, with their lives and property properly safeguarded,” he added.
The security adviser, however, cautioned that criminal elements could seek to exploit the period.
“During festive and religious periods, certain individuals may try to disguise themselves to commit crimes. Security agencies have been directed to strengthen preventive measures throughout Ramadan,” he said.
He appealed to residents to keep assisting security agencies with reliable intelligence to maintain stability in the state.
Abdulsalam further expressed worries about unlawful mining operations in the Gulani axis of Gulani Local Government Area, noting that security personnel were taking steps to tackle the matter.
