Demand for the Release of Bauchi Finance Commissioner, Others
By Suzan Edeh, Bauchi
Muslim community comprising various Islamic groups in Bauchi State have exonerated Governor Bala Mohammed from any involvement in terrorism and banditry activities, saying that the allegation that the Governor and some government officials support bandits is false.
They stated this during a press conference delivered by Imam Muhammad Yusuf Adam on behalf of the Islamic scholars from different Islamic sects in Bauchi State.
According to the group, Bauchi is one of the most peaceful states in Northern Nigeria which has no record of criminal activity and has attracted people from neighbouring states who have relocated due to insecurity elsewhere.
“It is well known that, among all the states in Northern Nigeria, Bauchi State is one of the most peaceful, recording very low levels of criminality, as there is no crime free society in the world. This has led people from other states to relocate here and build homes, especially in the state capital, due to the peace and security enjoyed by the residents”.
“If terrorism and banditry activities were widespread here, people would not continue to move into the state in such large numbers. This migration has even led to the creation of new settlements in Bauchi State, where government has resettled people displaced by insecurity from neighbouring states, for example: Maraban Liman Katagum, New Nabordo, New Narabi, among others”.
“There is no town or forest in Bauchi State that serves as a base for any terrorist group or bandits to the extent that people cannot enter because of the bandits strength or any alleged protection they enjoy.No person or group of persons has ever been arrested in Bauchi State with weapons or food supplies intended for bandits in their hideouts.
“It is widely known to anyone who follows events in Bauchi State that the government responds promptly whenever there is information about the presence of bandits. For example his Excellency, the Governor of Bauchi State, Senator Bala Mohammed (Kauran Bauchu), has provided equipment to security agencies, as well as funds and vehicles to vigilante groups combating banditry in the forests”.
” The swift action taken by the Governor when bandits appeared in Duguri, in Alkaleri Local Government Area.
The directive given by the Governor to Imams and scholars to intensify special prayers for peace in Bauchi State.There is no bandit group in Bauchi State that has overpowered the security agencies, or the state government. This is due to Allah’s help and the efforts of His Excellency, the Governor”.
“The Governor of Bauchi State has no connection whatsoever with bandits, whether directly or indirectly, and he does not relent in taking action whenever he receives reports about them.No bandits have ever reported grievances to the Governor or any senior government official and been ignored”.
“There is no bandit hideout in Bauchi State that security agencies have refused to enter because they were denied permission.Therefore, the allegation that the Governor and some government officials support bandits is false. In truth, he has no relationship with any bandit group, let alone assisting them”.
“Regarding Bello Badejo, who is alleged to have been supported by the Bauchi State Government, it is clear that his relationship with the Governor is not connected to banditry, but rather to cooperation in security matters”.
“The allegation against the Commissioner of Finance of Bauchi State and five other government officials is baseless. The people of Bauchi State are shocked, because none of them has ever been associated with banditry, instead, they are known for good character and peaceful living. We therefore call for their release so they would return to their families and continue their duties”.
“We call on the public to desist from spreading fabricated stories used to tarnish others. Religion forbids mocking those undergoing trials, because Allah may remove someone from a trial and place the mocker in an even greater one.We also call on politicians to ensure that political rivalry does not push them to harm innocent people”.
“Our state has enjoyed peace for many years. We therefore call on everyone to avoid actions that may cause unrest. Conflict is like a forest fire: once it starts, it does not burn only those who ignited it”. The group stated.
