The Kaduna State Police Command has launched a full-scale investigation into a political meeting organised under the leadership of former governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, which reportedly degenerated into violence and sporadic gunshots.
According to reports, government-backed thugs attacked the transition meeting of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) at the Conference Hall of NUT Endwell, Magadishu Layout, Kaduna, leaving several people injured.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the Command’s spokesperson, DSP Mansir Hassan, said the organisers ignored repeated warnings before going ahead with the meeting, creating a fertile ground for thugs to unleash violence.
“Preliminary findings indicate that political gangsters and thugs attached to the former Governor were involved in the shooting that disrupted public peace and order in the state,” the statement read.
Hassan stressed that the Command would not spare anyone found culpable, no matter how highly placed. He further disclosed that the police had approached ADC leadership to clarify the matter. According to him, party officials denied knowledge of such a meeting, refuted claims of involvement, and reaffirmed their commitment to the rule of law.
The police also cautioned that hotels, event centres and similar facilities would henceforth be held liable if they host political gatherings without prior notification to security agencies.
“Any hotel, event centre, or similar facility that permits political meetings or gatherings without informing 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,” Hassan added.
The Command further announced the suspension of all unauthorised political gatherings across the state until due process and proper security arrangements are ensured, noting that the decision was taken in the interest of peace and public safety.
