The fundamentalists had stormed the Bauchi prisons with the intention of setting free some of their members awaiting trial from last year’s religious crisis, which claimed many lives and properties worth several millions of naira.
The fundamentalists reportedly stormed the prisons at about 6.30 p.m. immediately after the breaking of fast by Muslims and tried to force themselves into the prison a move that was resisted by the armed prisons warders around but whose fire arms could not match those of the fundamentalists, who were well armed.
It was pandemonium as people around the Emir Drive, Bakaro, Karofin Madaki, Kobi and Railways areas ran for cover from stray bullets and the fundamentalists were said to be shooting sporadically with their bullets hitting innocent people who did not envisage anything as they prepared for the breaking of the Moslem fasting of the month of Ramadan.
Bauchi State Police Commissioner, confirmed the crisis in a telephone interview, saying, there was an attempt by suspected persons to break into the Bauchi prisons and they were said to be armed, we have mobilised our armed anti-riot mobile policemen to the prison to ensure that the situation did not get out of hands.”
The police boss added that, “for now I cannot tell you whether there are casualties or not, but as soon as we have the details, you will be duly informed but let me assure you that the situation is under control as our men are battle ready to check the crisis.”
At the time of filing this report, residents of Bauchi had deserted the streets while armed security men had taken over the patrol of the town to ensure that the crisis did not spread to other parts of the town while the state government has asked people to remain calm as the situation is under control and will not be allowed to spread.
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