– Police Avert Violence in Gombe
The Etsu Nupe Bida’s palace in Niger, was on Monday pelted by protesters as the labour- organised protest against withdrawal of fuel subsidy turned violent in the ancient town.
The protest started on a peaceful note with members of the organised labour leading it, but was later hijacked by hoodlums.
The hoodlums were said to have vandalised all the billboards in front of the Etsu Nupe’s palace and pelted the gate of the edifice, damaging it a little.
Security agents went into action and contained the situation, dispersed the hoodlums from the area and effectively brought the protest march in the town to an end.
When contacted, the Etsu Nupe’s secretary, Alhaji Abdulmalik Usman, confirmed the story, and said that “it is true that the protesters vandalised some structures in front of the palace.
“The security agents have effectively handled the situation and everything has returned to normal in the town.
“People are now going about their usual businesses.”
Meanwhile the Police in Gombe on Monday averted what could have resulted in a bloody violence when they dispersed some youths who were carrying dangerous weapons trying to disrupt the peace.
The youths, who numbered over 100, were carrying sticks, knives, matchets and stones mobilised after protesters had left the Emir of Gombe’s palace around 1 p.m.
The youths who blocked the Emir’s drive, started throwing stones and using abusive words on policemen at the Gombe Division.
The Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) in the state, Alhaji Mohammed Kabir-Malumfashi said that policemen had been deployed to disperse the youths.
”As the hoodlums were advancing towards the police station, a team of policemen arrived the scene. Immediately the youths saw the team of policemen arrive, they took to their heels, while the policemen followed the protesters.”
The protesters comprised of workers, business men, commercial motorcyclists, drivers, Lawyers and other organized pressure groups.
They had gathered at the Nigeria Labour congress (NLC) office at Biu Road, where the NLC Chairman in the state, Alhaji Ahmed Maisakala addressed them at 9.40 a.m.
They later matched to the Emir’s Palace but only the NLC chairman and few people met with the Emir in his house.