No fewer than 10 persons sustained varying degrees of injuries following a violent clash between rival youth groups from the Tsakuwa and Matsango communities in Azare, Katagum Local Government Area of Bauchi State.

The Bauchi State Police Command disclosed this in a statement issued on Tuesday by its spokesman, Nafiu Habib.

According to the statement, the Command received a distress call on July 5, 2026, from an anonymous caller reporting a violent confrontation between youths from the two communities in the Tsakuwa area of Azare.

Habib said, “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.”

He added, “Further findings revealed that about 10 persons from both sides sustained serious injuries and were rushed to the Federal University Health Sciences Teaching Hospital, Azare, for medical attention.”

Following the incident, the Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, led a team of senior officers to Azare for an on-the-spot assessment of the situation.

The statement further disclosed that, “The CP personally travelled to Azare to assess the situation, engage community stakeholders, and evaluate the Command’s response.

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

It added that the police commissioner visited the affected communities and injured victims before paying a courtesy visit to the Umar Faruq II at his palace.

The statement quoted the CP as directing, “Sustained patrol and 24-hour monitoring in the affected areas to ensure full restoration of normalcy and to forestall any reprisal attack.”

Aliyu also ordered a discreet investigation into the immediate and remote causes of the clash to facilitate the arrest and prosecution of the ringleaders.

While calling for calm, the CP urged parents, community and religious leaders, alongside other youth groups in Azare to embrace dialogue and reject violence.

He reiterated the Command’s commitment to protecting lives and property, warning that “anyone found culpable will face the full wrath of the law.”

The statement, meanwhile, noted that the Emir of Katagum commended the Command for its professionalism and timely intervention in restoring law and order.

It stressed, “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 legitimate means.”

According to the police, “Normalcy is being steadily restored in the area. Fifteen suspects have been arrested, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend more accomplices. Residents are advised to go about their lawful businesses as security presence has been intensified.” (Punch)

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