Gov. Muhammad denies loss of life in Bauchi, supports hunger protests
Story by Ahmad SAKA, Bauchi
Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Muhammad, has revealed that no life was lost during the violence that ensued from the nationwide hunger protests in parts of the state.
Governor Muhammad stated this on Tuesday while answering questions from newsmen at the end of the expanded emergency security meeting in Bauchi.
He said the meeting took place because of the protest where some people went out of established laws to show their anger and vandalised properties, local government secretariat, and even attacked an Islamiyya school.
He said the government imposed curfew on Azare to restore law and order and to protect lives and properties.
When asked about the viral video that captured a security personnel shooting a protester, the governor said, “I don’t know, I am not aware but some people are doing things to make people more angry.
Governor Mohammad admitted that there is a serious disconnect and mistrust between citizens and the government, noting that there is growing hunger and hardship in the land.
The governor advised the federal government to make amends on its policies as a step forward to arrest the ongoing nationwide protests.
He said Nigerian youth have every reason to protest against bad governance, considering the magnitude of hardship in the land.
However, he advised that while protesting, the youths should exercise decorum in their actions.
The governor also frowned at the actions of some youths in Katagum local government area of the state, who unleashed mayhem against constituted authority and innocent citizens.
According to him, the government would not fold its arms to watch some unpatriotic citizens disrupt the peace being enjoyed in the state.
The meeting has in attendance various security agencies, traditional and religious leaders, youth based organisations, NURTW, among others.
In a related development, Azare in Bauchi State is calm on Tuesday after the chaotic Monday protest and the 24-hour curfew, among other security measures, imposed by the government.
READ ALSO: Violent Protest: Bauchi gov’t declares 24-hour curfew in Azare (pictures)
People of Azare, headquarters of Katagum Local Government Area of Bauchi State, complied with the curfew imposed by the government following the violence, looting spree and vandalisation of public properties as a result of the protest.
Last Monday, protesters who gathered at the popular Gombe gate and Abujan Kwata were tear-gassed and dispersed by security agents.
Security operatives remain on high alert, going round nooks and crannies of the state to maintain public order.
Proofreading by Gift Luckson, Editor at Neptune Prime.
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