TENSION gripped the Kebbi State capital on Monday after the convoy of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) leader in the state and former Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, was attacked by suspected political thugs.
News Point Nigeria reports that the incident, which occurred in Birnin Kebbi metropolis, left about 10 vehicles vandalised and several of Malami’s supporters injured, eyewitnesses confirmed.
Malami, who served as Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice between 2015 and 2023, had just returned to the state and was reportedly on a condolence visit to bereaved families when the attack took place.
Speaking to journalists shortly after the incident, Malami condemned the attack, describing it as a deliberate attempt to intimidate him and his supporters.
“I was in Birnin Kebbi solely to pay condolences to families who lost their loved ones while I was away, not for political campaigns. It’s painful and unfortunate.
“Some thugs emerged from the APC state headquarters, armed with weapons and stones, and attacked our convoy, destroying vehicles and injuring our supporters. When it comes to politics in Kebbi State, there is no retreat, no surrender,” he declared.
The former minister, now a leading figure in the ADC in Kebbi, alleged that the assailants were linked to the All Progressives Congress (APC), the ruling party in the state.
In a swift response, the APC in Kebbi distanced itself from the violence.
Its Publicity Secretary, Isa Assalafy, issued a statement condemning the incident and reaffirming the party’s commitment to peace in the state.
“No government that enjoys the massive support of the people and is confident of victory in 2027 would want the peace of the state disrupted,” Assalafy said.
The APC further alleged that security personnel attached to Malami’s convoy opened fire during the clash, escalating the situation and causing panic among residents.
As of the time of filing this report, the Kebbi State Police Command had not issued an official statement on the attack. It remains unclear whether any arrests have been made or if investigations have been launched.
The attack has heightened political tension in the state, where alignments and rivalries ahead of the 2027 general elections are already taking shape.
