APC presidential rally in Nasarawa turns violent, scores injured

The All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign rally in Lafia, the Nasarawa State capital, has been disrupted by violence, leaving at least 40 people reportedly injured and several others missing.

The rally, which was attended by Vice President Kashim Shettima, descended into chaos when some youths dressed in APC-branded outfits reportedly began chanting slogans in support of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) governorship candidate and former Inspector-General of Police, Adamu Abubakar.

Their actions reportedly triggered a confrontation with security operatives and supporters of the APC governorship candidate, Aliyu Wadada.

The situation soon escalated as youths from opposing sides, some wielding dangerous weapons, engaged in violent exchanges, forcing several dignitaries seated outside the VIP section to flee for safety.

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Security operatives subsequently fired tear gas to disperse the agitated crowd and restore order.

In the aftermath of the violence, many people were seen searching for their relatives and associates amid reports of injuries and missing persons.

Government blames ex-governor, former IGP

Meanwhile, the Nasarawa State Government has blamed former governor, Senator Tanko Al-Makura, and the SDP governorship candidate, former IGP Adamu Abubakar, for the incident.

In a statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Labaran Magaji, the government described the violence as an “ignoble act” allegedly perpetrated by some irate youths suspected to be linked to high-profile personalities, including Al-Makura and Abubakar.

The government also directed the Department of State Services (DSS) to immediately commence a comprehensive investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.

“Accordingly, the Department of State Security Service is hereby directed to immediately institute a full investigation to unravel the cause of the incident,” the statement said.

(Premium Times)