On August 1, the End Bad Governance protest in Bauchi State turned violent, resulting in the injury of a police officer and the arrest of 60 protesters. The Bauchi State Police Command confirmed these incidents, providing updates on the situation.
Protest Turns Violent
The protest, which saw participation from over 3000 individuals, began peacefully but soon escalated into chaos. According to the State Commissioner of Police, Auwal Musa Mohammed, the protesters did not obtain the necessary permission from the police to conduct the demonstration. As the protest progressed, participants became increasingly unruly, disrupting public order and engaging in unlawful activities.
Arrests and Injuries
The police acted swiftly to control the situation. Commissioner Mohammed stated that more than 50 protesters, including women, were arrested for their violent behavior and attempts to disturb public peace. The Commissioner highlighted that the protesters’ actions included stoning police officers, which led to one officer being injured.
Attempts to Storm Government House
In their attempt to voice their grievances, the protesters regrouped and tried to force their way to the government house. The situation became more volatile as they used women and children as shields while continuing their aggressive actions. Despite the challenging circumstances, the police managed to disperse the crowd without causing any fatalities.
Police Response
Commissioner Mohammed emphasized that the police responded professionally, focusing on maintaining order and ensuring the safety of all involved. He assured the public that the police command is committed to preventing any breakdown of law and order during the protest period.
Call for Peaceful Conduct
The Commissioner appealed to the public to conduct themselves in an orderly manner and avoid actions that could lead to further unrest. He reiterated the importance of following legal procedures when organizing protests to ensure the safety and security of everyone.