Police probe shooting at ADC meeting in Kaduna

The Kaduna police command says it has launched a thorough investigation into alleged political violence linked to a gathering reportedly organised by Nasir el-Rufai, former governor of the state.

On Saturday, suspected thugs disrupted the inauguration of an opposition transition committee in Kaduna, attacking participants and damaging property during the event.

The hoodlums, armed with cutlasses, clubs and stones, were said to have injured several people and destroyed vehicles.

In a statement, Mansir Hassan, spokesperson of the command, said the incident occurred after a political gathering organised by the ADC coalition “without prior notification” to the police and other security agencies, despite “repeated warnings.”

He said preliminary findings show the gathering led to clashes during which suspected thugs allegedly attached to the former governor fired gunshots, causing chaos and disrupting public order.

Hassan added that the police launched an inquiry at the ADC party secretariat, and the party leadership denied knowledge of any meeting, reaffirming their commitment to the rule of law and distancing themselves from claims linked to the former governor.

“Preliminary findings indicate that the gathering led to a clash, during which thugs and political gangsters attached to the former governor allegedly fired gunshots, causing chaos and disrupting public order and peace in the state,” the statement reads.

Hassan said the command would not spare anyone found culpable, no matter how highly placed, warning that nobody was above the law.

“The command wishes to state categorically that the investigation is ongoing, and anyone found culpable, irrespective of their status and no matter how highly placed, if they acted contrary to the law, will face the full weight of the law,” he said.

“Furthermore, the command strongly warns that any hotel, event centre, or similar facility that permits political meetings or gatherings without prior notification to the police or other relevant security agencies will equally be held liable.

“This measure is to ensure due process is followed and to prevent thugs or miscreants from hijacking such gatherings to cause mayhem or a breakdown of law and order.

“In the interest of peace and public safety, the command further announces that all such unauthorised gatherings are to be suspended until due process and proper security arrangements are ensured.”