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From Paul Orude Bauchi
The Police have assured that they will fortify security in public institutions and houses of prominent Nigerians.
According to the Force, the pledge became necessary following destruction unleashed by miscreants in some parts of the country during the nationwide hunger protests.
Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG), Finance and Administration, Bala Ciroma, gave the assurance yesterday in Azare, Katagum Local Government Area of Bauchi State.
DIG Ciroma, after taking an on-the –spot- assessment of the situation in Azare, observed that normalcy had returned but there was need for proactive steps to avert re-occurrence.
Miscreants on Monday, the 5th day o hijacked the nationwide protests and started unleashing mayhem in Azare.
“They razed portions of the Katagum Local Government secretariat, Azare, specifically the Health and Works departments, and touched the house of an ex Deputy Governor, carting away refrigerators, electrical appliances among other valuables.
“Also attacked were the Bauchi Government Lodge in Azare and houses of other politicians, a situation that prompted Governor Bala Mohammed to impose a 24 hour curfew, which has now been relaxed.
“However, there is a need for us to further fortify the security around the area so that we avert these kinds of things from happening in the future.
“It affords us an opportunity to interact with members of the society so that at least we are to reach out to them and enlightened them as to why these kinds of disruptive protest should allowed”
On some protesters in parts of the country carrying flags of other countries, he described the action as treason.
“In a sovereign country like Nigeria it amounts to treasonable felony,” DIG Ciroma, said.
“We must be careful on how we express ourselves in terms of protest. There is a protest and there is also what we call resurrection. So be careful”
Also speaking to journalists in Azare, the Caretaker Chairman of Katagum, Musa Ahmed Azare, commended the -efforts of the state governor and the security agencies in curtailing the violence.
“The governor has shown so much concern, calling frequently to get updates about the situation.
“We want to appreciate his quick response, part of the efforts he has made was what assisted us in curtailing the escalation of the crisis.
“Calling every 30 minutes to know what is going on, no effort is bigger than this. It shows his deep concern for the people he is leading. And then he has sent logistics for me to ensure everything is in order, mobilizing security who have been working round the clock.
“The curfew was relaxed because of our assessment of the situation and the several reports we have found that people complied so there was a need to relax it.
“The police acted in a most professional way that you can find anywhere in the world.
“There was no single casualty in Azare. No single protester was shot because the security acted professionally”
Azare appealed to residents of Katagumi and appealed to avoid destroying public and private properties, saying such they belonged to them and their kins.
