n response to the escalating violence that has erupted in the wake of the #EndBadGovernance protests, the Bauchi State Government has imposed a 24-hour curfew in Katagum Local Government Area.
This decision comes after a day of unrest that saw parts of the local government secretariat set ablaze, vehicles destroyed, and the home of former Deputy Governor Baba Tela vandalized and looted. The violence, which spread across several streets in Azare town within Katagum LGA, has raised significant concerns about the deteriorating security situation in the area.
The protests, which began as peaceful demonstrations against perceived failures in governance, took a dark turn on Monday as hoodlums infiltrated the ranks of protesters, turning what was meant to be a call for change into an orgy of destruction.
The damage was particularly severe at the local government secretariat, where large sections of the building were reduced to ashes. Vehicles parked in the vicinity were not spared, with many being set on fire or otherwise destroyed. The home of Baba Tela, a prominent political figure in the state, was also targeted, with looters making away with valuable property.
Given the gravity of the situation, Governor Bala Mohammed moved swiftly to prevent further escalation. In a decisive move to restore order, the governor imposed a 24-hour curfew across Katagum LGA.
This action was aimed at curbing the spread of violence and ensuring that the situation does not spiral out of control. The curfew is intended to give security forces the necessary leeway to regain control of the affected areas and protect both public and private property from further harm.
The imposition of the curfew was officially communicated through a statement released on Monday by the Secretary to the State Government, Ibrahim Kashim. In the statement, Kashim outlined the reasons for the curfew, emphasizing the need to contain the situation before it could lead to even more widespread destruction and chaos.
“Due to the deteriorating situation in Azare and its environment, leading to the destruction of public property, stealing, and victimization, His Excellency, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, the Executive Governor of Bauchi State, has approved the imposition of a 24-hour curfew in the Katagum Local Government Area to contain the situation,” the statement read.
The statement further detailed that Governor Mohammed has directed all security agencies in the state to take immediate and robust action to address the unrest. The governor’s instructions are clear: those responsible for the violence and destruction must be apprehended and brought to justice.
The involvement of multiple security agencies, including the police, military, and local vigilante groups, is intended to ensure a coordinated and effective response to the crisis.
In his address to the public, Governor Mohammed urged law-abiding citizens to cooperate fully with the security forces during this challenging period. He acknowledged the disruption that the curfew would cause to daily life but stressed that it was a necessary step to protect lives and property. The governor also appealed to residents of Katagum LGA to remain calm and to avoid any actions that could further inflame tensions.
The curfew is seen as a temporary measure, but its duration will depend on how quickly the authorities can restore order in the area. For now, the streets of Azare are expected to remain under tight security as patrols and checkpoints are established to enforce the curfew. The government has also warned that any violations of the curfew will be met with strict penalties, as maintaining public order is now the top priority.
The events in Katagum LGA are a stark reminder of the potential for peaceful protests to devolve into violence, especially when exploited by those with ulterior motives. The destruction of government buildings and private homes represents not only a significant material loss but also a blow to the sense of security and stability in the community. The coming days will be critical as the state government and security forces work to prevent further violence and to begin the process of rebuilding trust and restoring peace in the region.
As the situation unfolds, the Bauchi State Government will need to address the underlying grievances that fueled the protests, while also ensuring that justice is served for those affected by the violence. The curfew, while a necessary measure for now, is only the first step in what is likely to be a long and difficult road to recovery for the people of Katagum LGA.
