Kano police detain protest leader of ‘Gurasa’ bakers
The police have detained Fatima Auwal, leader of the women protesters, Gurasa bakers, in Kano, following a demonstration over the escalating costs of flour, a key ingredient for producing Gurasa.
The protesters took to the streets in response to the rising price of flour, an essential component used in making Gurasa, a staple food in many parts of northern Nigeria.
However, her arrest was triggered by complaints from two women and a man who claimed that she was not a member of their association and, therefore, did not have the authority to use their name in the protest.
READ ALSO: Gurasa bakers in Kano stage peaceful protest against rising flour prices
Contrary to this, Fatima defended their peaceful demonstration, stating that they conducted themselves peacefully and that the arrest came as a surprise to her.
She emphasized that the individuals who filed the complaints were sellers, while the protesters were the actual producers of Gurasa, and thus claimed that the accusations were unfounded.
Chairman, Jakara Junction Gurasa Bakers, Multi-Purpose Cooperative Society, Hadiyyatulahi Hamisu, confirmed the filing of the complaint to the police, asserting that although Fatima is a Gurasa baker and leads a smaller group of bakers, she claimed to be the leader of the larger bakers’ group, which she does not rightfully belong to. As a result, they demanded that she issue a retraction statement in the media.
Following the intervention, Fatima Auwal was eventually released on bail and has been asked to appear at the police station for further action.
However, the issue has highlighted the economic challenges faced by the Gurasa bakers, including the sudden spike in flour prices.
