Irate youths set ablaze properties as violence mars late Baba Gonto’s Memorial Anniversary in Bauchi

The 21st memorial anniversary of late Leader and crusader of Sayawa Nation, Baba Peter Gonto in Bogoro Local Government Area of Bauchi State has been marred by violence as hundreds of youths burnt properties including houses and other valuables worth millions of naira.

It was gathered that the event, which was slated for the 31st December 2021, was disrupted abruptly as angry youths stormed the venue of the main event at the Government Day Secondary School, Bogoro and set the stage and other things used for the programme on fire shortly after the event ended.

According to reports, the youths in their large numbers had earlier laid a siege for the convoys of the Emirs of Bauchi and Dass on the way to Bogoro and damaged the official car of the Emir of Dass as well as other cars on the convoys forcing them to make a sudden u-turn back to their domains.

The Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed Abdulkadir 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 the journalists invited to cover the event could not gain access to Bogoro as the hoodlums blocked all the roads that lead there and were forced to turn back upon receiving information that violent protest was going on at Bogoro junction.

It was gathered that the violent protest was due to alleged refusal by the main organizers of the event to include some prominent sons and daughters of the area in the planning and final execution of the programme.

It will be recalled that a purported letter was 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 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 organizers be made to sign an undertaking that should anything happen, they should be held responsible. (Daily Independent)