The TakeitBack Movement in Bauchi State has suspended its planned protest, citing security concerns and the risk of infiltration.
The movement’s leader, Nazif Nuhu, disclosed yesterday that the decision followed consultations with security agencies, which raised alarms over potential threats to public safety.
“There have been serious security threats of infiltration,” Nuhu revealed after a security meeting. “As patriotic citizens, we shouldn’t lead by blind faith. We put people’s safety first. National interest is above other considerations. So, it has been suspended.”
Our correspondent reports that the announcement came amid a heavy security presence in Bauchi, with law enforcement agencies strategically stationed at precise locations in the Bauchi metropolis.
For instance, heavily armed military personnel were stationed at Yelwan-Makaranta, the proposed convergence venue for the protesters. Also, armed police operatives were sighted at Wunti, Gwallameji, Muda-Lawal and Awala roundabouts.
Meanwhile, Commissioner of Police Bauchi Command, Sani Aliyu warned organisers of the TakeitBack protest to avoid disrupting public order, insisting that “the command wishes to make it unequivocally clear that any individual or group seeking to instigate disorder or disrupt the peaceful observance of Democracy Day celebrations in the state will face the full extent of the law.”
The commissioner of police in a statement signed the command’s Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), CSP Ahmed Wakil, added that “Moreover, the command is prepared to utilise all available resources and efforts to bolster the already-deployed forces and suppress any attempts by individuals to infringe upon citizens’ rights and undermine democracy within the state.”
He urged parents, guardians, and community leaders to encourage their wards and protégés to refrain from becoming unwitting participants in any actions that may disrupt the prevailing peace within the state.
CP Aliyu further emphasised the need to avoid incitement through inflammatory remarks and provocative actions, as such behaviours will jeopardise the fragile peace currently enjoyed by the citizens.
