Police officers in Gombe State have apprehended 111 individuals in relation to recent violence recorded during the #EndBadGovernance protest in the state.
You see, the #EndBadGovernance protest recorded a high level of violence in the Northern part of Nigeria, as residents went all out to air their displeasure against the President Bola Tinubu-led administration.
Now, the police have identified and arrested these individuals, saying that they are linked to the violence.
The arrested individuals were said to have assaulted law enforcement personnel, engaged in vandalism, and the theft of both public and private assets.
#EndBadGovernance Protest
These persons have also been accused of being responsible for the unauthorised display of foreign flags during the #EndBadGovernance protest.
Details of the arrest was conveyed by the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, ASP Buhari Abdullahi, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, CP Hayatu Usman.
Abdullahi elaborated on the rising violence within the state, which has led to serious injuries among officers and considerable damage to police vehicles.
He noted that among those arrested were nine individuals who were specifically charged with direct involvement in the assaults on police officers and the looting that occurred during the protests.
Significant incidents of vandalism were reported at various locations.
These locations include the Gombe State Revenue Recovery Tribunal, Bima Lodge, Gombe State Bureau of Public Service Reform, NITEL Company, and Blue-J Motors.
Stolen Items
In addition to those apprehended for assaults and looting, the police have detained 92 individuals in relation to acts of vandalism and theft.
Also Read: #EndBadGovernance: Protesters To Begin One-Million-Man Protest On Saturday
Abdullahi mentioned that the police had successfully retrieved some of the stolen items.
However, he failed to give specific details regarding the extent of these recoveries.
Meanwhile, he noted that on August 5, 2024, 10 persons were taken into custody for flying foreign flags during the #EndBadGovernance protest.
To ASP Abdullahi, this behaviour is a sign of disrespect towards national symbols.
He classified it as a treasonous act under Nigerian legislation.
The police command reaffirmed its dedication to reestablishing peace, safeguarding lives and property, and upholding the rights of lawful protesters while addressing illegal activities.
