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By; Mohammed Kawu, Bauchi
The Bauchi State Government has condemned in totality the recent arrest by security operatives, and continued detention of forty-seven (47) members of the Community Vigilante Organisation in Shira Local Government Area during the Disina State Constituency by-election held last week
According to the state commissioner of information and communication, Usman Shehu Usman, the sudden arrest and prolonged detention of the vigilante members represent a serious and dangerous disruption to the State’s security architecture.
The commissioner recalled that for decades the vigilante network has significantly contributed to Bauchi reputation as a peaceful and secured state, particularly within the North-East region, hence removing members of this localised security structure from their communities poses serious security concern.
He said in a statement made available to the press in Bauchi Friday defended that the persons arrested are accredited members of community vigilante structures who have offered themselves for community service and have been involved in maintaining peace, security and public order in their respective communities long before the conduct of the by-election.
Dr. Usman Shehu explained that there was no established evidence in Government’s account that the arrested persons interfered with electoral materials or the electoral process, whose presence represent traditional community-security responsibilities, and their desire to contribute to the peaceful conduct of activities within their communities.
He said “The Government is concerned that the arrests were carried out on the basis of allegations associated with election security, understandably without the circumstances, or evidence demonstrating that they have tampered with electoral materials, disrupted voting or otherwise interfered with the lawful conduct of the election”.
The Commissioner positioned, “Upon their arrest, the affected individuals reportedly maintained that they were peace agents duly recognised and accredited, whose responsibility was to protect lives and property and assist in maintaining peaceful communities rather than interfere with the electoral process”.
Usman further recalled that it is a longstanding practice for governments, during periods of heightened public activity to deploy or engage recognised security, paramilitary, community and other civil structures in support of peaceful public conduct.
He stated that the state government fully recognises the constitutional and statutory responsibilities of the Nigeria Police Force and other authorised security agencies in safeguarding elections, as it equally expects that the rule of law to be applied fairly, objectively and without political considerations.
Dr. Usman said it is disheartening that the Bauchi State Police Command appeared to have allowed itself to be influenced by what was considered as attempts by sections of the opposition to politically blackmail and criminalise members of a civil organisation who have historically offered themselves for community service.
Commissioner Usman Usman stressed that community volunteers should not be subjected to political victimisation merely because of their status or lawful community responsibilities, emphasizing that any allegation of criminal conduct should be established through transparent investigation and due process, with each individual treated according to the evidence available against him.
He attributed the relatively secure and peaceful environment prevailinh in Bauchi state to the relentless efforts of these local vigilantes, saying by bringing their intimate and invaluable knowledge of their native terrain to bear on the state’s broader security strategy have consistently served as an important support to the fight against criminality.
Commissioner added, “Removing 47 active and dedicated volunteers from the frontline could create avoidable security challenges and provide opportunities for criminal elements to operate with reduced community-level monitoring”
Usman Usman therefore called for the immediate and unconditional release of the 47 non-partisan community volunteers arrested over allegations of election-related violence, where no individualised evidence of criminal conduct has been established against them.
He also appealed to relevant security authorities to review the circumstances of the arrests objectively and ensure that the fundamental rights of the affected citizens are protected, and assured that the state government is committed to peaceful democratic participation, the rule of law, the protection of citizens’ rights and the maintenance of public order.
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