Governor Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State has expressed deep concern over the extensive damage caused by hoodlums who hijacked the nationwide protest against hunger and hardship.
The violence led to significant destruction of both public and private properties in Gombe State.
After inspecting the affected areas in the Gombe metropolis, Governor Yahaya visited several damaged facilities, including the Gombe State Bureau of Public Service Reforms, the Bima Lodge, Kumbiya-Kumbiya Primary Healthcare Centre, and the Blue Jay Motor Park, where six Sienna vehicles were destroyed.
The governor also toured the Gombe Main Market, where he met with business owners and offered words of consolation for their losses.
Inuwa directed the Ministry of Works, Transport and Housing, and the State Emergency Management Agency, SEMA, to conduct a thorough assessment of the damages to facilitate support for those affected.
“I have gone round to personally assess the extensive damage caused by the violent protest. From what I have seen, the destruction is enormous.
“Not just public facilities, businesses were also affected.” He lamented.
He stressed the importance of maintaining peace in Gombe, a state known for its stability, and urged residents to avoid actions that could disrupt harmony.
While acknowledging the challenges and hardships faced by the people, the governor stated that violence and destruction are not acceptable means of expressing grievances.
“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 in the land, but we must not resort to violence and destruction of our state to express our feelings or concerns.
“Let me make it clear: we are not against peaceful protest. We know that democracy and our laws grant the right to express oneself, but yesterday’s event contradicted democratic principles and violated the law.” He stated.
The Governor said his administration is ready to support any peaceful demonstration, and the police are ready to give protesters the maximum protection to exercise their constitutional rights once they follow the laid down rules, stating “What we cannot allow, is the breakdown of law and order.”
Yahaya urged residents to resume their economic and social activities, assuring them of safety and security.
He also commended the swift response and professionalism displayed by the security agencies in containing the situation.
“We commend the security agencies for the efforts they put in tackling the escalation of the violence.
“Their prompt action played a crucial role in preventing further chaos and restoring order,” he concluded.
