Police arrest 15 suspects after Azare youth clash injures 10
Bauchi State Police Arrests 15 Following Violent Clash
BAUCHI, Nigeria — The Bauchi State Police Command has arrested 15 individuals in connection with a violent altercation between rival youth factions in Azare, Katagum Local Government Area, which resulted in at least 10 injuries.
The incident took place in the early hours of Saturday, prompting the Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, to assess the situation on Tuesday.
According to police spokesperson SP Nafiu Habib, authorities received a distress call at 12:15 a.m. on July 5 concerning a confrontation between youths from the Tsakuwa and Matsango sections of Azare. Police patrol teams were dispatched immediately, and using minimal force, they managed to disperse the crowds and prevent further escalation.
“Preliminary findings indicated that approximately 10 individuals from both factions sustained serious injuries and were transported to the Federal University Health Sciences Teaching Hospital in Azare for medical attention,” the statement read.
Habib confirmed the arrest of 15 suspects linked to the violence and noted that efforts to capture additional fleeing suspects are ongoing.
During his visit to Azare, Commissioner Aliyu led a team of senior officers to evaluate the command’s response and engage with community leaders. He praised local police commanders and specialized units for their quick intervention, which he stated helped avert further property damage and potential loss of life.
Aliyu also visited the hospitalized victims and later met with the Emir of Katagum, Alhaji Umar Faruq II, who commended the police for their swift action and promised the emirate’s cooperation in identifying and prosecuting those responsible.
In his directives, Aliyu emphasized the need for sustained 24-hour patrols and surveillance in the affected areas to deter possible retaliatory attacks. He ordered a thorough investigation into both the immediate and underlying causes of the conflict, aiming to apprehend and prosecute the ringleaders.
He urged parents, community leaders, and youth groups to favor dialogue over violence, warning that anyone found guilty of inciting unrest would face legal consequences.
The police reported that normalcy is gradually returning to the area, assuring residents that security has been bolstered and encouraging them to go about their daily activities without fear.