…Emirs’ convoys attacked, cars destroyed, houses, other properties burnt down
SEGUN BABATUNDE, Bauchi
Properties, including houses and other valuables worth millions of Naira, were over the weekend burnt down by irate youths in Bogoro during the 21st memorial anniversary of late leader and crusader of the Sayawa nation, Baba Peter Gonto, held in Bogoro.
Our correspondent reports that the irate youths also stormed venue of the main event at the Government Day Secondary School, Bogoro, setting the stage and other things used for the programme on fire shortly after the event ended.
Our correspondent also reports that the arsonists in their large numbers had earlier waylaid the convoys of the Emirs of Bauchi and Dass on their way to Bogoro and vandalised the official car of the Emir of Dass as well as other cars on the convoys, forcing them to make a sudden u-turn to their domains.
Consequently, Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, who was expected to be the Special Guest of Honor at the event did not attend due to security reasons.
Our Correspondent, who was among journalists invited to cover the event, could not gain access to Bogoro as the hoodlums blocked all the roads. Our reporter was forced to turn back upon receiving information of an ongoing violent protest at the Bogoro junction.
It was gathered that the violent protest was due to alleged refusal by the main organisers of the event to include some prominent sons and daughters of the area in the planning and final execution of the programme.
Recall that a purported letter written to the Inspector General of Police, Usman Baba, by the former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dogara Yakubu, alerting of a possible breach of peace in the area should the event be allowed hold, was circulated in the social media.
Yakubu Dogara, who is currently the member representing Bogoro/Dass/ Tafawa Balewa Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, had requested that the organisers be made to sign an undertaking that they should be held responsible if anything happened.
When contacted for official reaction to the situation, Bauchi State Police Command could not give immediate comment as the Commissioner of Police, Umar Mamman Sanda, said, “Our personnel are still on the ground gathering more information; very soon, the Command will come out with a definite report.”
Meanwhile, the concert preceding the event was held on Thursday at the COCIN Church in Mwari village of the late Baba Peter Gonto, featuring popular gospel artists led by the legendary Panam Percy Paul, who thrilled the audience.
In his homily, Rev Balewa eulogized the late Baba Gonto, describing him as an epitome of humanity, humility, peace, unity and courage, who lived his life for the service of humanity.
He said saying the virtues should be emulated by all.
A book written about the late sage, crusader and leader of Sayawa nation was launched and officially presented to the general public on Friday but it ended abruptly when the irate youths attacked the venue and destroyed everything on sight, forcing guests to scamper to safety.