Augustine Okezie, Katsina
The Katsina State government on Saturday handed over completely rebuilt Kusada Police Station and official quarters of the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), which was set ablaze by angry rioters on March 27, 2020, to the State police command as part of measures to enhance security of lives and property of citizens of the state.
The Nation recalled that the police station and quarters of the DPO, including that of his deputy, were completely razed down by angry youths who were protesting the arrest of their religious leader, Mallam Hassan by the police during the COVID-19 lockdown.
The Islamic leader was said to have been nabbed by the police for leading Friday prayer in the town in spite of a state government directive banning large gatherings.
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The protesters also burnt seven vehicles and 10 motorcycles in custody of the police and injured many others who were within the police premises.
Presenting the refurbished station shortly after inspection, the state Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Umar Ya’u Gwojo Gwojo, said the police station was rebuilt to pave way for improved security and maintenance of law and order in the local government.
He said, “The renovation of the police station and official quarters of the DPO and his deputy, including the fencing of the three facilities gulped N34.5 million.”
He added that the state has also inaugurated a committee to ascertain the number of vehicles, motorcycles and other property damaged during the rampage for compensation.
He admonished residents of the state, particularly rural dwellers, to shun acts capable of truncating security in the state.
The commissioner also inspected the ongoing construction of the palace of the district head of Charanchi, Katsina-Bugaje Bridge and the rehabilitated Modoji Primary School.
