Police Suspend Bauchi Festival Amid Rising Tensions
By Kamal Ibrahim, Bauchi
Bauchi State Police Command has, in a move to maintain peace, suspended the 2024 Annual Lemb Zaar festival due to escalating conflicts among rival ZAAR Sayawa factions.
Spokesperson of the Command, Ahmed Wakil confirmed this in a statement made available to newsmen in Bauchi on Friday.
Wakil attributed recent clashes, including a violent incident on September 15, 2024, which caused destruction of property and injuries for the decision to suspend plans for this year’s Lemb Zaar festival pending the outcome of a court case.
The police image maker explained that with the ongoing leadership dispute and pending lawsuits, the Command’s decision was targeted at protecting citizens ahead of the festival scheduled for December.
He emphasised the importance of peaceful conflict resolution, urging community leaders to counsel against incitement.
“Rights cannot be achieved through violence,” he said, reinforcing the police’s commitment to safeguarding public safety.
