Rising Cases Of Items Snatchings During Political Campaigns In Bauchi Metropolis -By Mukhtar Garba Kobi

Doubting the endearing peace that existed in the ancient city of Bauchi even when insurgency was at its peak is like committing an abomination in the sacred land, the whole State was seen as the enclave of harmony where refuges from insecurity ravaged States dwell in; they have now become indigenes by virtue of living for long. Bauchi State was known for decades as the epicenter that hatched personalities that valorously fought for the country’s independence, one will never forget the immense contributions of ‘Africa’s Golden Voice’ in person of Late Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa in the aspect of emancipation, Malam Sa’adu Zungur that ardently done well on educational sector and many more.

Months ago after political campaigns commenced, Bauchi especially the metropolis usually become terrified whenever politicians storm for candidature campaigns. Youths that supposed to be the strength for economic and societal developments are being used by selfish politicians as thugs, they wreak havocs by attacking whoever oppose their preferred candidates. Some of these egocentric politicians have not brought ease to the hardships of ordinary people that voted them in to power but are shamelessly seeking for re-election, hence the need for voters to think twice before casting votes. Thugs go round nooks and crannies of the metropolis snatching items ranging from phones, money, bikes while attacking owners with cutlasses or knives that refuse to let their valuables go.

The State was famous for having high rate of public servants, on political gatherings or campaigns days, majority of the workers prefer to stay indoor by not going for work due to the fear of uncertainties that political thugs might do. Similarly, skill workers and petty traders that feed their families by doing menial jobs and transactions in their shops resolve not to open them which is a great threat for economic growth as well as standardizing lives of their family members. Furthermore, some of the politicians give thugs intoxicants and weapons primarily to achieve their political wishes while their biological sons and daughters are relaxing comfortably in mansions or abroad studying in the best institutions, youths should be inquiring to know why are they not bringing them to unleash terror together?.

Unfortunately, many have lost their precious lives while several others have gotten injuries of lifetime, most of those that participate in political thuggery are from poor backgrounds because someone whose parents lack nothing. Factors that make some youths embrace thuggery includes unemployment which is always on the rise, limitless number of students have graduated from institutions but getting job is difficulty except those that offer huge amounts. The second factor is poverty, many families could not eat three times in a day, and youths from those homes survive on themselves thereby seeing thuggery as lucrative means of income. The last factor is excessive love of money, because of small amounts some people can do anything; they destroy houses, inflict injuries and even kill to quench the blood thirsts of leaders.

Everyone in the society has role to play for everlasting peace to reign, parents should be mindful and acting like watchdogs over activities of their children by checking where they sleep, who they mingle with and their alternatives of generating incomes. Youths should engage in beneficial ventures, learn skills to rely on themselves and shun criminal activities because politicians that sponsor them will never reveal themselves when they are arrested. Community members should be reporting suspicious persons or activities to the rightful authorities; doing this will put a stop to their heinous missions. Political thugs arrested after serving in correctional centers should be taken to rehabilitation homes for behavioral change before allowing them back to communities.

Mukhtar writes from Bauchi and can be reached via garbakobim@gmail.com