Houses burnt as hoodlums invade Bauchi community

Emir’s Convoy Stoned As Monarch Denied Access

There was a tense atmosphere in Tafawa Balewa and Bogoro Local Government Areas of Bauchi, yesterday, over the planned memorial anniversary of the late Baba Peter Gonto, a crusader of Zaar Nation, who died over two decades ago.

A book launch has been planned alongside the memorial event slated for the last day of 2021 but it was learnt that the lawmaker who represents the area, former Speaker, House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara had alerted Police Headquarters in Abuja to prevent the event from being held over perceived security threats.

Different indigenous youth groups had come out for and against the event.

But it was gathered that politicians from different parties are behind the event that turned violent.

When The Guardian visited Tafawa Balewa on Friday, youths and women were seen moving to the border between Tafawa Balewa and Bogoro to protest the holding of the event.

All the entrances were taken over by the angry residents but operatives of the joint security agencies were seen at strategic points.

It was learnt that on Thursday, three houses were burnt while the venue of the event was set ablaze on Friday. Hoodlums, who allegedly stoned his SUV, attacked the Emir of Dass, Alh Usman Bilyaminu Othman’s convoy.

The monarch was forced to return to his palace in Dass without attending the programme.

Dignitaries that were invited to the event could not access the venue as thugs burnt the canopy and sound system. VIP chairs and tables were seen in disarray at a school in Bogoro town. Security personnel were seen at the venue to restore normalcy but they were overwhelmed.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, Usman Mammah Sanda told journalists in his office on Friday that the Command was still gathering information from its operatives on the ground and promised to inform the public about the situation.

Sanda said he had warned his men to be professional while handling the situation. He said there was no case of casualty in the two LGAs.
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