Gombe CP issues warning to protesters
Chima Azubuike, Gombe
Gombe State Commissioner of Police, Ishola Babaita, on Saturday, read riot act to residents of the state especially those with intension of hijacking peaceful procession.
Babaita said the command would not condole any act capable of disrupting the peace in the state, adding that there is zero tolerance for group planning on replicating EndSars scenario in the state.
According to him, officers and men of the command would respect regular and consistent community policing despite the increase in malinformation in the public space.
The commissioner made this known in a statement he personally signed, noting that residents should make the most of the celebration peacefully.
The statement partly stated, “I CP Ishola Babatunde Babaita, Psc, FDMSS the Commissioner of Police Gombe State Police Command, officers and men, we remain committed to our regular and consistent Community Policing style in spite of the increase of the fake news in circulation over the 2021 June 12 Democracy Day. Gombe State Police Command under my supervision will remain committed to this style of Policing.
“I therefore warn that if there is any group proposing any protest, it should be done within the ambit of the law, as this Command will not welcome any act of criminality during and after this celebration though, there are rumours of insecurity with intimidating effects within the State and the Country at large. Gombe State Police Command in conjunction with other security agencies is well on hand to deal decisively with any person or group who may want a replay of the ENDSARS debacle.”
Recall that the ENDSARS protest in Gombe was largely hijacked which made it unsuccessful as protesters and journalists sustained varying degrees of injuries.
Babaita added, “Furthermore, citizens should see today as the promotion of our awareness on issues related to Democratic principles, and never a day intended to focus on issues of practicalities that will deepened our fear of the unknown. While wishing the good people of Gombe State a happy 2021 Democracy Day Celebrations, parents and guardians should advise their children and wards not to turn the beauty of the day to a demonstration of criminality, as the Command under my watch will not fold its arms to see them go through.”
Meanwhile, the famous Rainbow roundabout venue of the demonstration had security presence without protesters, some of who expressed fear of attack.
Speaking, Danjuma Kala, said “I can’t risk being arrested or beaten or perhaps killed so the need to stay home and monitor the process. The grievance is not a ‘South’ thing we too here are not happy.”
