The Bauchi State Police Command has announced the suspension of the 2024 edition of the annual traditional and cultural festival of the Sayawa people of the state popularity known as Lemb Zaar.
The Command stated in a statement by the PPRO, SP Ahmed Wakili that the decision was part of its resolve to remain dedicated to maintaining law and order and preserving the peaceful atmosphere in the State.
The statement contained that, “On 29/12/2021, a significant number of hoodlums blocked the Bogoro-Tafawa Balewa Highway, sparking civil unrest in protest against the 21st memorial anniversary of the late Baba Gonto, a freedom fighter of the Sayawa people.”
“This event, organized by his children in collaboration with the Zaar Development Association and convened by Prof. Suleiman E. Bogoro, was scheduled to be held on 30th and 31st December 2021,” The statement further contained.
According to the Command, “The resulting chaos included attacks on innocent citizens, house burnings, and blockage of major highways by women and children. The event centre was also damaged, and vehicles’ windshields were shattered. Consequently, the Command set up a panel to investigate the circumstances surrounding the breakdown of law in the area.”
It stressed that, “The investigation revealed that the conflict arose from the ongoing rivalry among the ZAAR factions, including the ZAAR (Sayawa) Development Association (ZDA) led by Engr Isuwa Galla, the Coalition of ZAAR (Sayawa) Development Association led by Mr. Danny Luka Zarman, The GUNG ZAAR Kingdom led by Hon. Bulus Iliya, the ZAAR (Sayawa) Youth Development Association (ZAYODA) Tafawa Balewa Branch led by Mr. Iliya Emmanuel, and the ZAAR (Sayawa) Youth Development Association (ZAYODA) Tafawa Balewa Branch led by Mal. Yakubu Garba.”
“These factions have established parallel governments in the ZAAR community and are engaged in leadership tussles, with pending lawsuits in the courts and no tolerance for peaceful cohabitation,” It stressed.
The Command stated further, “Despite the Command’s efforts to monitor the preparatory activities for the LEMB ZAAR festival this year and manage conflicts through Alternative Dispute Resolution, a team of Lawyers wrote a letter to the Command confirming a bloody clash on 15th September 2024 between two ZAYODA factions resulting in the destruction of property worth millions of Naira and grievous hurt to some persons. Escalation of the incident was prevented by the prompt intervention of the Police.”
“Additionally, intelligence available to the Command indicated an imminent threat of a violent clash as the ZAAR (Sayawa) Development Association (ZDA) and the Coalition of ZAAR Development Association had scheduled simultaneous meetings at the ZDA permanent Secretariat in Tafawa Balewa,” It revealed.
Consequently, the Command found it necessary to suspend the 2024 Annual LEMZAR Traditional/Cultural festival in the interest of public safety.
The Commissioner of Police, Bauchi State Command, Auwal Musa Muhammad issued an order to suspend the festival until the courts’ verdicts are delivered on all pending lawsuits to mitigate these recurring conflicts.
The Commissioner of Police emphasized that the Police’s primary obligation is to protect the lives and property of citizens assuring that excessive use of force to quell violence is not the only available option for the Police in conflict and crisis resolution.
He underscores the importance of professionalism and reconciliation over violence, stating that “right cannot be achieved through violence.”
Finally, the CP urged parents, guardians, and influential leaders to counsel their wards and proteges against engaging in disruptive actions and making inciting remarks and gestures that undermine the fragile peace in the State.
The Commissioner warned that anyone found wanting directly or indirectly contributing to destabilising peace in the state will be arrested, investigated and prosecuted for the established offences against him.
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