Police Arrest Protesters in Sabon Birni Amid Unrest Over Monarch’s Death

The Sokoto State Police Command has arrested several individuals in connection with protests in Sabon Birni, the headquarters of the Sabon Birni Local Government Area, following the death of the community’s traditional ruler. The ruler had been abducted by gunmen and died after spending 25 days in captivity.

Assistant Superintendent of Police Isah Mohammed, the Deputy Public Relations Officer for the command, confirmed the arrests in a statement issued to correspondents in Sokoto. He noted that some individuals had taken advantage of the situation to engage in unlawful activities, including setting fire to both private and public properties. Among the damaged properties were 25 housing units recently constructed by the state government to accommodate officials serving in the area.

The police have pledged to conduct a thorough investigation to identify and bring to justice the groups and individuals responsible for inciting and participating in the violent protests.

“The police will not stand idly by while disruptive elements disturb public peace under the guise of protest. Anyone found guilty of such acts will face the full force of the law,” the statement read.

In response to the unrest, a detachment of mobile police personnel has been deployed to Sabon Birni to restore and maintain order. The police have also urged law-abiding citizens to continue their daily activities without fear, assuring them of their safety and protection.

The statement further warned the public against taking the law into their own hands, particularly in matters that require legal adjudication.

The unrest was sparked after the traditional ruler, who was abducted along the Sokoto-Sabon Birni road while returning from a meeting in the state capital, tragically died in the hands of his captors.