Gombe Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, on Friday, visited various damaged facilities in the Gombe metropolis to assess the destruction caused by a recent violent protest.
Expressing deep concern over the extensive damage inflicted on both public and private properties, Governor Yahaya reaffirmed the government’s commitment to maintaining peace and stability in the state.
“I have personally inspected the areas affected by the violent protest and the level of destruction is enormous. Both public facilities and businesses have suffered significant damage,” lamented the Governor. He emphasized the importance of preserving Gombe’s reputation for stability.
“Gombe is known for its peace, and we must preserve it. We cannot allow actions that threaten our stability. We have no state other than Gombe. We understand that there are challenges and hardships, but we must not resort to violence and destruction of our state to express our feelings or concerns,” Governor Yahaya stated.
The Governor clarified that the state supports the right to peaceful protest, as granted by democratic principles and laws. However, he condemned the violent actions that contradicted these principles and violated the law.”
“We are not against peaceful protests. Democracy and our laws grant the right to express oneself, but yesterday’s event contradicted democratic principles and violated the law. We are ready to support any peaceful demonstration, and the police are ready to give protesters maximum protection to exercise their constitutional rights, provided they follow the laid-down rules. What we cannot allow is the breakdown of law and order,” he asserted.
Governor Yahaya urged residents to resume their economic and social activities, reassuring them of their safety and security.
“I urge everyone to resume their daily activities; farmers should return to their farms, and business owners should reopen their shops. No one should panic. We assure you of safety and security,” he said.
Despite the severity of the protest, Governor Yahaya chose not to impose a curfew to avoid adding to the people’s hardship during this challenging period.
He commended the swift response and professionalism displayed by the security agencies in containing the situation.
“We commend the security agencies for their efforts in tackling the escalation of violence. Their prompt action played a crucial role in preventing further chaos and restoring order,” the Governor remarked.
During his tour, Governor Yahaya visited several key locations, including the Gombe State Bureau of Public Service Reforms, the renowned Bima Lodge, Kumbiya-Kumbiya Primary Healthcare Centre, Blue Jay Motor Park (where six Sienna vehicles were destroyed), and Gombe Main Market. At the market, he engaged with business owners, offering words of consolation for their losses.
To ensure that those whose properties have been damaged receive adequate support, Governor Yahaya directed the Ministry of Works, Transport, and Housing, along with the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the damages.
