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By Lizzy Chirkpi
The Kebbi State Police Command has blamed what it called the use of illegal sirens and carrying out premature campaigns for the violent attack on the convoy of African Democratic Congress (ADC) leader and former Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami.
Malami’s convoy was ambushed by suspected political thugs in Birnin Kebbi on Monday, just hours after his return from a condolence visit. The assault came as the ADC-led coalition in Sokoto recorded a wave of defections from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), stoking rivalry ahead of the elections.
Kebbi State Commissioner of Police, Sani Bello, after a closed-door meeting with Governor Nasir Idris, issued a stern warning to political actors:
“The unauthorised use of sirens by politicians and their supporters, coupled with campaign activities outside the approved period, is fueling rivalry and increasing the risk of violence,” he said.
Bello described the incident as a dangerous signal of “growing disregard for electoral guidelines and public safety regulations,” vowing a crackdown on offenders.
“We will not tolerate any act capable of threatening peace and public order in Kebbi State. Anyone caught using illegal sirens or engaging in premature political campaigns will face the full weight of the law,” he warned.
Police have launched a full-scale investigation to track down the attackers, as calls mount for stricter enforcement of political rules to prevent further bloodshed.