10 people critically injured as 2 rival youth gangs clash in Bauchi 

Not fewer than Ten people have been seriously injured while several cars and other valuables were utterly destroyed during a violent clash between two rival dangerous gangs in Azare, headquarters of Katagum LGA of Bauchi State.

Reports from the area revealed that the violent clash occurred on Sunday at Kofar Gabas/Tsokuwa in Azare Metropolis with over 200 youths armed with dangerous weapons attacking a rival group.

Reports further have it that the armed youths stormed the area in what was said to be a reprasal attack and used their weapons to attack anyone on sight, a development that made people to scamper for their lives.

Though no geninue reason was given, a reliable source from the area said it was unrelated to political activities.

Meanwhile, the State Police Command has confirmed that ten people have been critically injured as two rival youth groups engaged in a violent clash in Azare, Katagum LGA of the State.

The confirmation was made by the Command through its PPRO, SP Nafiu Habib, in a statement he made available to Journalists on Tuesday.

According to him, “The Command received a distress call at about 0015hrs on the 5th July, 2026 from an anonymous good samaritan in Tsakuwa area, Azare, indicating a violent clash between youths from Tsakuwa and Matsango areas.”

He added that, “Upon receipt of the information, patrol teams were immediately dispatched to the scene. The rioting youths were dispersed through the use of minimal force, and concerted efforts were made to prevent further escalation.”

Nafiu Habib added that, “Further findings revealed that about 10 persons from both sides sustained serious injuries and were rushed to the Federal University of Health Science Teaching Hospital (FUHSTH) Azare, for medical attention.”

Following the incident, the CP personally led a team of Senior Officers to Azare to assess the situation, engaged community stakeholders, and evaluated the Command’s response.

He commended the Area Commander, Azare, Divisional Police Officer, operatives of No.10 Squadron, Police Mobile Force (PMF), Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), Anti-Kidnapping Unit (AKU), and Quasi-security outfits for their swift intervention which prevented loss of lives and further destruction of property.

The PPRO further stated that, “The affected areas and injured victims were visited. Homage was also paid to HRH Alh. Umar Faruq II, ONN ,Emir of Katagum at his palace.”

The Emir appreciated the Command’s professionalism in timely enforcement and restoration of law and order.

He pledged the Emirate’s support in identifying, apprehending and prosecuting the culprits using all the legitimate means.

The CP has directed sustained patrol and 24-hour monitoring in the affected areas to ensure full restoration of normalcy and to forestall any reprisal attack.

He also ordered discreet investigation into the remote and immediate causes of the clash, with a view to arresting and prosecuting the ringleaders.

While calling for calm, CP Omolori urged parents, community/religious leaders, and youth groups in Azare to embrace dialogue and shun violence.

He reiterated the Command’s commitment to the protection of lives and property and warned that anyone found culpable will face the full wrath of the law.

Normalcy is being steadily restored in the area, fifteen suspects have been arrested while efforts are on to arrest more accomplices and residents are advised to go about their lawful businesses as security presence has been intensified.