TheCable

The Kaduna commissioner of police has ordered an investigation into an attack on the convoy of Nasir el-Rufai, governor of the state, by suspected hoodlums.

On Thursday, el-Rufai’s convoy was said to have been attacked along the Nnamdi Azikiwe western bypass in the state.

Muhammad Jalige, police spokesperson in the state, in a statement on Friday, said members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) were suspected to be behind the incident.

The IMN members were said to have protested on the Nnamdi Azikiwe western bypass on Thursday, calling on the government to release the international passport of Ibrahim El-Zakzaky, leader of the movement.

Jalige said police have arrested some suspects behind the incident, adding that the investigation has commenced.

“Security operatives attached to the convoy of the Kaduna State Governor have cleared the Bakin Ruwa axis of Rigasa, Nnamdi Azikiwe Expressway after armed hoodlums suspected to be members of the proscribed Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) who attacked law-abiding citizens and had prevented motorists from plying the route,” the statement reads.

“The hoodlums in a large number were intercepted harassing innocent citizens on Thursday 16th March 2023 at about 15:35hours when the convoy of His Excellency the Executive Governor of Kaduna state arrive the scene.

“The hoodlums on sighting the convoy began firing weapons/stones hitting several private vehicles along with a few in the convoy.

“The security operatives professionally contained the miscreants without the use of force. Some of the hoodlums strongly suspected to be members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) were arrested. Investigation in progress.”