Gombe Governor Convenes High-Level Security Council Meeting Amidst Protests
As the government moves to regulate the activities of scrap material merchants (Bola-Jari),
In response to the violent protest that erupted on August 1, 2024, Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON, presided over an emergency expanded security meeting on Monday. The aim was to review the current situation and develop a coordinated strategy to prevent further unrest.
The high-level meeting included heads of security agencies, relevant commissioners, local government chairmen, and traditional rulers. Discussions focused on the aftermath of the protests, measures to prevent future occurrences, and ensuring the safety of residents across the state.
Addressing the press after the meeting, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Professor Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi, along with the Commissioner of Police, Hayatu Usman, and heads of other security agencies, provided details of the deliberations.
“The government recognises that the protest was primarily driven by the current economic hardship,” said the SSG. “We are deeply concerned about the welfare of our citizens and are committed to addressing these issues promptly. We acknowledge that security is everybody’s business and therefore urge members of the public to remain supportive of the government and the security agencies in ensuring the security of lives and property.”
The SSG announced the government’s plan to roll out another round of food palliatives to support vulnerable households across the state. “This initiative, the 19th in the series, aims to provide immediate relief and ensure that no resident goes hungry during these trying times,” he said.
In response to public concerns about the activities of the scrap material merchants, popularly known as Bola-Jari, Governor Yahaya directed the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barr. Zubair Muhammad Umar, to develop operational modalities to regulate their activities in the state.
The council commended the security agencies for their prompt intervention in tackling the situation and preventing escalation. They also praised Governor Yahaya for his exemplary leadership during and after the protests.
Commissioner of Police Hayatu Usman, speaking on behalf of the security agencies, reiterated their commitment to maintaining law and order. He assured residents of their safety and urged the public to remain calm and peaceful. “We are committed to ensuring the safety of lives and property. We urge all residents to cooperate with the authorities and refrain from any actions that could lead to violence or disruption,” he said.
The CP added that several arrests had been made in connection with the looting of both public and private properties during the violent protests. He disclosed that several valuable items had been recovered and urged those who lost property to report to the police headquarters to verify if their items were among those recovered for immediate handover.