Violent Protest: Bauchi gov’t declares 24-hour curfew in Azare (pictures)
Story from Ahmad SAKA, Bauchi
Bauchi State Government has imposed 24-hour curfew in Azare, the headquarters of Katagum Local Government Area of the state.
The decision was taken following chaotic nationwide protests against hunger and bad government.
A statement signed by Ibrahim Muhammed Kashim, Secretary to the Bauchi State Government, said the curfew was imposed due to the deteriorating security situation in Azare and its environments in Katagum Local Government Area leading to the destruction of public property, stealing and victimisation etc.
“His Excellency, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, CON, the Executive Governor of Bauchi State has approved the imposition, with immediate effect, of a 24-hour curfew in Katagum Local Government Area, in order to contain the situation.
“His Excellency has further directed all security agencies to wade into the matter and ensure that the hoodlums are fished out and brought to book.
“He further calls on law-abiding citizens to cooperate with security agencies at this trying moment.
On Monday, day 5th of the nationwide protest, protesters of economic hardship have come out in Bauchi and Azare, the second most populous city in Bauchi State after the capital city of Bauchi to demonstrate.
However, the protest turns violent, and the protesters and vandals destroyed some of government lodges and a section in the secretariat of katagum local government.
The people of Azare alleged that the protesters broke into the house of a former Deputy Governor of Bauchi State, some top politicians, and took away chairs, air conditioners and some of their properties.
While at the secretariat of Katagum local government, they burned some offices and vehicles.
See pictures below:
Residents of Azare alleged that the security forces shot one of the protesting youth to death. Ohers said that three dead bodies were left in the hospital.
From Bauchi town, the protesters came out from Bakaro, carrying Russian flags where security personnel stepped in and dispersed them.
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Many security vehicles were stationed near the road near the CBN building, along the Bauchi Government House road.
Some of the youths with sticks in their hands entered the popular Muda Lawal Market, traders in the market had to close their shops and hold bamboos to chase the hoodlums out of the market.
All our efforts to hear from the Police Public Relations Officer PPRO failed, as he did not respond to the messages sent to him as of press time.
Proofreading by Gift Luckson, Editor at Neptune Prime.
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