- The angry youths were protesting the alleged confiscation of community lands by military authorities
There was tension in Jalingo, the Taraba State capital as irate youths hauled stones at the Commissioner of Police (CP), David Aderemi and some of his officers in the early hours of yesterday.
The police helmsman sustained various degrees of injuries on his head as a result of the incident, which took place at Gadan Boboji and Tudunwada areas of the state capital.
An eyewitness account explained that the situation would have been worse but for the swift reaction of the officers, who he said, gave him cover, stating that residents of the area have began to seek alternative habitation for fear of reprisals.
Confirming the report, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), David Misal, said: “The lawless youths who had earlier gathered on Sunday with dangerous weapons with the intention of attacking themselves and causing confusion in the town, were dispersed by the police following a tip-off.”
Misal told journalists that the youths in the area have being fomenting trouble and compelling residents to go to bed with their two eyes widely open, adding: “the miscreants reappeared again this morning, as they came back to carry out their dastardly plans.
He pointed out that on hearing of their plans, the commissioner drove to the place to see things for himself, saying: “On arrival, he saw a large number of miscreants who immediately began to throw stones at him. One of the stones hit him on the head.”
He explained that the commissioner was immediately rushed to one of hospital in Jalingo metropolis and “has been treated and discharged.”
Misal also confirmed that over 50 of the hoodlums have been arrested and that the police are leaving no stones unturned to ensure that all those who have a hand in the incident are arrested and brought book.
Meanwhile, hundreds of commuters and vehicles were trapped on the Kaduna-Kano Highway when youths of Barakallahu in Igabi Local Council of Kaduna State blocked the road in the early hours of yesterday.
The angry youths were protesting the alleged confiscation of community lands by military authorities.
Eyewitness told journalists that the aggrieved youths blocked the highway as early as 7a.m. thereby disrupting commuters travelling to Abuja and other Northern states, as hundreds of vehicles were trapped on the road.
As at the time of filling this report, there was no official response from the Air force, but a combined team of police and other security agencies were on ground to ensure safety of the commuters.
