The Bauchi State Police Command has arrested 60 protesters during the first day of a planned 10-day nationwide protest against bad governance in Nigeria. Police Commissioner Auwal Musa Mohammed confirmed the arrests, citing breaches of public order and unlawful assembly.
According to Mohammed, 52 of the arrested individuals were taken into custody for violent and unruly behavior. The protesters, numbering over 3,000, allegedly attempted to disturb public peace without prior police permission for the demonstration.
The situation escalated when protesters regrouped after initial dispersal and tried to force their way to the government house. Commissioner Mohammed reported that protesters threw stones at police officers, resulting in injuries. He also noted incidents of phone theft and property destruction throughout the metropolis.
Despite the unrest, Mohammed emphasized that the police acted professionally and did not cause any fatalities. He mentioned that protesters used women and children as shields, but the police were able to subdue the crowd without loss of life.
The Commissioner assured that the command will take all necessary measures to maintain law and order throughout the duration of the protest. He appealed to the public to behave in an orderly manner.
This incident in Bauchi is part of larger nationwide protests against perceived bad governance in Nigeria. The planned 10-day demonstration has already shown signs of tension between protesters and law enforcement on its first day.
As the situation continues to develop, authorities are on high alert for further unrest, while protest organizers and participants may face increased scrutiny and potential legal consequences.
Source: independent.ng
