The Bauchi State Police Command has arrested 15 individuals in connection with the violent attack that led to the burning of a primary school in the Kandahar area of Bauchi metropolis.
The shocking incident, which involved a clash between local youth groups, left the school in ruins.
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Ahmed Wakili, confirmed the arrests in a statement on Sunday, revealing that the investigation is still ongoing to understand both the immediate and deeper causes of the violence.
In a statement to journalists, Wakili explained that the attack occurred in the early hours of December 18, 2024.
“At approximately 08:30 am, we received a distress call from a good Samaritan about violent youths in the Kandahar area,” Wakili said.
The youths, according to the police, targeted the Civilian Joint Task Force (JTF) office located near the Kandahar Primary School.
“They set fire to the Civilian JTF office and part of the government primary school,” Wakili added.
The confrontation between the attackers and members of the Civilian JTF escalated when one of the suspects, Saidu Musa, 22, was shot in the chest by a locally-made firearm.
In response, a police team was quickly dispatched to the scene.
The officers helped to de-escalate the situation and transported Musa to a specialist hospital for urgent treatment.
“Preliminary investigations suggest that the violence continued into the following night. On December 19, a group of youths attacked the school and JTF office again, causing significant damage,” Wakili said.
The attack has sparked fear and concern among the local population, with many residents in the area still shaken by the violence.
The police have now arrested 15 suspects who are believed to have been involved in the unrest.
Commissioner of Police Auwal Musa Mohammed has strongly condemned the attacks on public property.
“These unprovoked acts against government facilities will not be tolerated,” Mohammed said.
He has urged the public not to take matters into their own hands but to report any concerns to the authorities.
“I call on all Bauchi citizens to avoid violence and allow the authorities to handle issues in a lawful manner,” he said.
The police have assured the public that the investigation into the attacks is progressing.
The State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) has been directed to conduct a thorough inquiry to uncover the full details of what led to the violence.
Many are questioning the underlying causes of the violence.
The attack occurred amid rising tensions in parts of Bauchi, with various groups reportedly clashing over personal and political grievances.
The Kandahar area, traditionally known for its close-knit community, has seen increased youth unrest in recent months, leading to speculation that the recent violence might have deeper roots.
As investigations continue, the authorities are focusing on identifying the key figures behind the attack and the potential political motives that may have fuelled the clashes.
Local residents have also raised concerns about the role of social media in escalating the violence.
Some believe that online rumours and misinformation could have incited the violence.
“We are not surprised by the violence. The youth are angry, and social media often fuels these tensions,” said a local businessman, who wished to remain anonymous.
The attack on the primary school has sent shockwaves throughout the community.
Many parents have expressed fear for the safety of their children and are questioning whether enough is being done to prevent further violence.
“We are scared for our children. If schools are not safe, what happens next?” one parent said.
The primary school, once a symbol of education and community strength, now stands in ruins.
The damage to the school building, coupled with the destruction of the Civilian JTF office, has left local authorities scrambling to restore order and calm the nerves of an already anxious public.
“We are worried. This is not the first time violence has erupted here,” said another local resident. “But burning a school, that’s something new.”