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By Tracy Moses
The convoy of former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, was reportedly ambushed by suspected political thugs in Birnin Kebbi on Monday. Malami, who now leads the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Kebbi State, had just returned to the state and was on a condolence visit when the incident occurred.
Eyewitnesses said the attackers vandalised no fewer than 10 vehicles in the convoy and left several of Malami’s loyalists injured.
Speaking after the incident, Malami described the attack as “purely political,” stressing that he was not engaging in any form of campaign.
“My mission in Birnin Kebbi was simply to sympathise with families who recently lost their loved ones, not to hold political rallies.
” Unfortunately, some hoodlums attacked us from the APC state secretariat, wielding weapons and stones. They smashed vehicles and injured many of our supporters.
” In Kebbi politics, there is no retreat and no surrender,” Malami told journalists.
But the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kebbi swiftly rejected the allegations.
In a statement, the party’s Publicity Secretary, Isa Assalafy, distanced the APC from the violence, maintaining that Kebbi remains one of the most peaceful states in the country.
“No party or government that commands overwhelming support and is assured of victory in 2027 would resort to actions capable of disturbing the peace of Kebbi,” Assalafy said.
He further accused security operatives attached to Malami’s convoy of opening fire during the clash, which, according to him, triggered the escalation.
As of press time, the Kebbi State Police Command had not issued any official comment on the matter.