Bauchi Governor Bala Mohammed clarifies Darazo police deaths were due to a community dispute, not bandit attacks, assuring public safety measures

Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, on Wednesday clarified that the five police officers killed in Darazo Local Government Area were not victims of a bandit attack, contrary to initial reports by the state police command.

Also read: Bauchi Governor, Mohammed sets date to proclaim 10th State Assembly

The Bauchi State Police Command had on Sunday announced the deaths as an ambush by suspected bandits in Sabon Sara village, Darazo LGA, occurring while the officers responded to community distress calls.

Speaking at the opening of the State Executive Council meeting, Mohammed dismissed the claim, stating the incident arose from a community-related dispute.

“We had an incident in Darazo reported as banditry. But I want to tell you that it is not banditry; it is a community issue. We are on the ground, we know it, and we will handle it very well,” he said.

The governor added that security agencies had advised temporary school closures due to potential student abductions, but he stressed that the Darazo incident should not be conflated with wider banditry-related insecurity.

“Yes, we closed our schools because security agencies told us there was a likelihood of abduction of students, as has happened in other states,” Mohammed explained, noting the measure was precautionary rather than fear-driven.

Highlighting broader safety plans, Mohammed said all schools would be fenced, equipped with lighting, and other protective measures by year-end. He also confirmed that the state’s ongoing recruitment of vigilantes would complement the Safe School Programme under the Office of the National Security Adviser.

“It’s not to create fear but to be safe and secure. All our schools must be fenced, with lighting and other safety measures. At least, we will do our own part and leave the rest to our Creator, Allah (SWA),” he added.

Also read: Breaking: U.S. targets 12 Northern governors, judges, monarchs with fresh sanctions

The governor reassured investors and the public that the state remains committed to safeguarding residents and preventing misinterpretation of security incidents.