By Daily Fact Editor

The former Chairman of the Butchers Association of Nigeria, Gombe State Chapter, Alhaji Kabiru Bala Onye, has decried the poor state of facilities at the Gombe abattoir, describing it as a major threat to public health, environmental safety, and the livelihood of butchers.


Speaking to journalists in Gombe, Alhaji Kabiru lamented that the lack of water at the abattoir has severely affected business operations, forcing butchers to buy water daily from private suppliers known locally as Yangaruwa.


“The lack of water at the Gombe abattoir is seriously affecting our business. We now depend on buying water from Yangaruwa, which increases our expenses and reduces our profit. Government needs to come to our aid,” he said.


He further expressed concern over the unhygienic state of the abattoir environment, noting that the absence of proper waste management and sanitation has created conditions that could lead to pollution and disease outbreaks.


“The environment here is unhealthy — waste is not properly managed, and that can cause pollution and spread of diseases. The abattoir should be a clean and safe place since it deals with what people eat,” he warned.


Alhaji Kabiru also lamented the absence of electricity in the abattoir, describing it as a serious security risk, especially for workers who operate early in the morning and late at night.

“There’s no light in the abattoir, and that makes the place unsafe. Criminals take advantage of the darkness. We are appealing to the government to restore electricity to ensure security for everyone working here,” he added.

Expressing disappointment, Alhaji Kabiru accused the present administration in Gombe State of neglecting the abattoir and its workers despite their contribution to the local economy.

“We feel neglected by the government even though we are indigenes of Gombe State. The abattoir is very important to the state’s food supply chain, yet it has been abandoned,” he lamented.

He therefore appealed to the Gombe State Government and relevant agencies to urgently intervene by providing water, improving sanitation, and restoring electricity to the abattoir to ensure safe and hygienic meat production for consumers across the state.

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.