Violence has reportedly disrupted the campaign kick-off of Katsina State Governor Dikko Radda in the Funtua Zone, leaving several All Progressives Congress (APC) supporters injured and vehicles and personal belongings damaged.
The alleged attacks occurred on Wednesday along roads leading to Funtua Stadium, where supporters were heading for the Tinubu-Dikko campaign event.
Some of the affected supporters claimed that groups of youths pounced on them with stones, bottles and other dangerous objects, leaving several people injured and damaging mobile phones, clothes and other valuables.
One of the victims said they were attacked while making their way to the venue.
“We were simply on our way to attend the campaign kick-off when we encountered some angry youths who attacked us with stones and bottles. Many people were injured, and our property was destroyed. We cannot afford to replace what we lost,” the victim said.
Another account from the affected supporters indicated that the incident disrupted their movement to the stadium, with some victims reportedly requiring medical attention.
The victims have called on security agencies to investigate the incident, identify the alleged attackers and bring those found culpable to justice.
“We appeal to the security agencies and relevant authorities to investigate what happened and ensure that those responsible are held accountable,” one of them said.
STONES, DAMAGED VEHICLES REPORTED
The reported violence appeared to have extended beyond the immediate surroundings of the campaign venue.
Stones were reportedly seen scattered along the road around the Malumfashi town roundabout, which connects the area to Bakori Local Government Area.
Several vehicles were also said to have suffered windscreen damage, raising concerns about the safety of motorists and political supporters travelling to the event.
However, the circumstances surrounding the reported attacks, including what triggered the disturbances and who was responsible, remained unclear as of the time of filing this report.
RADDA PRESENTS SCORECARD AMID TENSION
Despite the reported disturbances, Radda proceeded with the presentation of his administration’s Building Your Future scorecard, highlighting projects and achievements since he assumed office and outlining ongoing programmes across key sectors.
The campaign forms part of the APC’s grassroots mobilisation efforts ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
The planned exercise is expected to cover the Funtua, Daura and Katsina senatorial zones, reaching all 34 local government areas and 361 wards across the state.
The reported violence has raised fresh concerns about political tolerance and the safety of supporters during campaign activities as political parties intensify preparations for the 2027 general elections.
Political parties and their supporters are expected to conduct campaigns peacefully, while security agencies are responsible for protecting lives and property and investigating credible reports of violence.
As of the time of filing this report, the Katsina State Government, the APC and security authorities had yet to issue official statements on the incident.
The number of injured persons, the extent of the reported damage and the circumstances surrounding the alleged attacks could not be independently verified.
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