From Ahmad Muhammad, in Bauchi
The Bauchi State Government has imposed a 24-hour curfew in Azare, headquarters of Katagum Local Government Area of the State.
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 environs.
This, Kashim said, has led to the destruction of public property, stealing, victimization among other criminal acts.
“His Excellency, Sen. Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, CON the Executive Governor of Bauchi State has approved the imposition, with immediate effective, 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, the statement said.
Today, day 5 of the protest, the protesters on economic hardship have come out in Bauchi and Azare town, Headquarters of Katagum local government area, the second most populous city in Bauchi State after the capital city of Bauchi.
However, the violence that took place in Azare was so serious as the protesters and vandals destroyed part of the government lodge and a section of 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, and some top politicians, and took away chairs, air conditioners and some of their property, while at the secretariat of Katagum local government, they allegedly burnt some offices and vehicles.
Residents of Azare alleged that the security forces shot one of the protesting youth to death and the supposed video of the shooting went viral on the social media.
Others suggested that three dead bodies were found in the hospital.
From Bauchi town, the protesters came out from Bakaro carrying Russian flags but the security personnel dispersed them.
Many security vehicles were stationed near the road at the Central Bank, CBN, along the Bauchi Government house road.
Some of the youths wielding sticks entered the popular Muda Lawal Market, prompting the traders to close their shops while some were chased out.
Efforts to hear from the Police Public Relations Officer failed, as he did not respond to the messages sent to him as of the time of filing this report.
