Walewale youth lock up Coordinating Director’s office amid protest

The office of the Walewale Municipal Coordinating Director remained barricaded on Tuesday after a group of agitated youth stormed the Municipal Assembly premises, forcing the Director, Justice Bayon, to flee for safety. The incident has raised concerns about rising tensions within the municipality and the growing frustrations among young people over governance and development issues.

The youth, numbering dozens, arrived at the Assembly premises in the early hours of the morning, chanting slogans and demanding immediate action over what they described as longstanding grievances. Witnesses say the protesters appeared highly organized and vocal, drawing attention from passersby and creating a charged atmosphere around the Assembly grounds.

The situation quickly escalated, creating panic among staff and visitors. Some workers reportedly abandoned their duties and fled the premises out of fear for their safety, while others locked themselves in offices to avoid confrontation.

Sources within the Assembly indicated that the Municipal Coordinating Director, upon receiving intelligence of an impending protest, left the building before the group arrived. His early departure may have prevented a direct confrontation, but it did little to calm the anger of the demonstrators.

Upon arrival, the youth allegedly forced their way into parts of the office and proceeded to lock up the Director’s office, disrupting official activities. The barricading of the office effectively brought administrative work to a halt, with several services temporarily suspended.

Addressing the media, the protesting youth accused the Director of absenteeism and incompetence in the discharge of his duties.
"We no longer need him. We are appealing to the government to replace him, as we are deeply dissatisfied," one protester said. "This serves as a warning to the DCE: we are here peacefully today, but we will return if he is not replaced."
Their statements reflect a deep sense of frustration and a demand for immediate leadership changes within the Assembly.

The protest was also linked to frustrations over unemployment, perceived neglect and delays in local development projects. Many of the youth expressed disappointment over what they described as a lack of opportunities and slow progress in improving living conditions.

"All the roads in Walewale are in poor condition, yet the DRIP machines have been left idle. The last time it rained, every road in Walewale became impassable. Therefore, we will not listen, we do not need the coordinator, today or tomorrow," another protester said. Their concerns highlight ongoing infrastructure challenges that continue to affect transportation and economic activity in the area.

Some observers suggest the unrest may also be tied to ongoing internal political tensions within the municipality. Analysts believe that underlying political divisions could be contributing to the dissatisfaction and mobilization of the youth.

No injuries were officially reported, but the incident left municipal workers shaken. The psychological impact on staff and the disruption of public services have raised questions about security measures at the Assembly.

The Municipal Chief Executive, Mohammed Rabiu Jabaah, told JoyNews he would require clearance from the Regional Minister before commenting on the incident. His response suggests that the matter may be escalated to higher authorities for review and possible intervention.

The Municipal Coordinating Director, Justice Bayon, also declined to comment. His silence has further fueled public speculation about the situation and the next steps the government may take to address the concerns raised by the protesters.