By Daily Facts Editor

Exactly one year after the violent “End Bad Government” protest rocked parts of Gombe State in August 2024, victims of the destruction are still counting their losses — with no support from either the state or federal government.

One of the worst-hit victims, Alhaji Wadaji Umar Lawan, a prominent agrodealer in the state, has expressed deep frustration and disappointment over what he described as “total abandonment” by authorities.

Speaking to Daily Facts Online, Alhaji Wadaji, who operated a large agrochemical and fertilizer supply store beside Bima Lodge in Gombe metropolis, lamented that he lost goods worth over ₦50 million during the looting and vandalism that followed the protest.

“I lost everything that day — fertilizers, seeds, herbicides, insecticides, and every type of agrochemical. My entire shop was looted and destroyed. I have not recovered to this day,” he said.

Following the incident, government officials, including representatives from the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Department of State Services (DSS), and the police, reportedly visited the affected areas to assess the level of damage.

“The Commissioner of Police came, the Commissioner of Works — who chaired the government’s damage assessment committee — came, SEMA, NEMA, DSS, everyone came. They collected our data and took photos of our losses. But nothing has been done since then,” Alhaji Wadaji recounted.

He said despite several follow-ups and appeals, none of the affected business owners have received any compensation or support to rebuild their lives.

“Life has become extremely difficult. We expected the government to help us as promised, but no one seems to care anymore. We are suffering in silence.”

Many residents in Gombe remember the “End Bad Government” protest as one of the most disruptive events in recent years, leading to the destruction of several public and private properties across the state. Yet, one year later, affected individuals say there has been little to no political will to fulfill promises of relief or compensation.

Alhaji Wadaji called on both the Gombe State Government and the Federal Government to revisit the matter with sincerity, adding that many victims are on the verge of bankruptcy and emotional breakdown due to the losses incurred.

“We are not asking for favors — we are asking for justice. Our livelihoods were destroyed because of a situation beyond our control. If government truly cares, this is the time to show it.”

As the anniversary of the protest passes quietly, many are wondering whether the silence from the government marks a forgotten chapter or just another delayed response in a long line of unfulfilled promises.

By Our Political Reporter

A prominent member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Gombe State, Comrade Muhammad Kabiru (popularly known as K. Bature), has openly criticized Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya’s administration over the continued ban on motorcycle operations from 7:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. across the state.

Comrade Bature, a grassroots mobilizer from Funakaye Local Government Area, expressed disappointment with the policy, describing it as a major contributor to economic stagnation, rising poverty, and social frustration in the state.

“I mobilized people to vote for Governor Inuwa Yahaya. They voted because of me. But I cannot support this motorcycle ban. It is not in the interest of the people,” he said.

According to Bature, the restriction on motorcycles — popularly known as achaba — has crippled night-time economic activities, especially in Gombe metropolis, where thousands depend on commercial motorcycle operations for daily sustenance.

“This policy has pushed countless families into hardship. It directly and indirectly affects homes, breadwinners, and small businesses. Since this ban was introduced, Gombe State has lost no less than N100 million in economic value,” he stated.

He called on Governor Inuwa Yahaya and the Gombe State Commissioner of Police to immediately reconsider the policy, warning that the voices of the people must not be ignored in a democratic system.

“People are saying terrible things about our government because of this. We must listen to them. This is a democracy. We were voted in by the people, and we will soon return to ask for their votes again. Let us lead by example,” Bature added.

The motorcycle restriction was initially introduced as a security measure, but critics argue that it has outlived its purpose and is now doing more harm than good. Comrade Bature’s strong words reflect growing dissatisfaction even within the ruling party’s ranks.

As 2027 edges closer, political observers say such dissenting voices from within the APC could signal broader frustrations that the administration must address if it hopes to retain power.

By Our Correspondent

Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State has raised concerns about the unfulfilled pledges of federal palliatives and the challenges arising from the removal of the fuel subsidy.

Speaking in Hausa during an address, Governor Yahaya revealed that Gombe State has yet to receive the 20 trucks of rice promised by the federal government to alleviate the suffering of the state’s residents. He also clarified that contrary to the reported N5 billion palliative given to states, Gombe received only N2 billion.

“The removal of the fuel subsidy, which caused hardship, was initiated by former president Muhammadu Buhari and was only announced by incumbent president Bola Tinubu because it was not included in the 2023 budget,” Governor Yahaya explained. He added that President Tinubu could not submit a supplementary budget for the fuel subsidy to the National Assembly as it had not been inaugurated by the time he took office on May 29th, 2023. Consequently, Tinubu had no option but to announce the subsidy removal.

Governor Yahaya called on stakeholders to seek alternatives to protests, which he believes often lead to violence and destruction. He urged for collaborative efforts to address the economic challenges facing the state and the country at large.

Governor Yahaya’s comments come amidst a backdrop of increasing economic hardship and discontent among the populace, highlighting the critical need for effective palliative measures and cohesive strategies to mitigate the impacts of policy changes.