Independent Day: Gombe Remains Peaceful Amidst Protest Fears
By Najib Sani, Gombe
Gombe State on Tuesday celebrated Nigeria’s 64th independence anniversary and its own 28th anniversary without incident, despite earlier threats of protests by some youth in the country on the anniversary day.
The state’s security forces were on high alert, deploying personnel to strategic locations.
Security operatives, including police, civil defense corps, and the state-owned vigilante group GOSTEC, were stationed at key areas such as government house gates, old market roundabout, and Bima Lodge.
These locations were identified as potential hotspots following the violent protests that erupted on August 1.
The Gombe State Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) had preemptively distanced themselves from any planned protests.
Chairman of the committee, Comrade Garba Mohammed Ubale who addressed journalists, emphasised that the August protests were marred by violence and that they would not support any new demonstrations.
