The convoy of former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, came under violent attack in Kebbi on Monday, leaving about 10 vehicles vandalized and several of his supporters injured.
Witnesses said the attackers, suspected to be political thugs, struck as Malami moved through Birnin Kebbi with his entourage.
Malami, a former chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, now a leader of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Kebbi, alleged that the assault was politically motivated.
He explained that he was in the state capital to offer condolences to bereaved families, not to campaign, when the convoy was ambushed by individuals wielding dangerous weapons and stones.
According to the media reports, “one of the victims told journalists that about 10 vehicles were destroyed and several supporters of the former minister sustained injuries.”
“It’s a painful act clearly linked to politics. Some thugs came out from the APC state headquarters armed with dangerous weapons and stones, attacking and destroying our convoy.
“The truth is, when it comes to politics in Kebbi State there is no retreat, no surrender,” Malami alleged.
In response, the Kebbi State Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Isa Assalafy, dismissed claims of the party’s involvement and firmly condemned the assault.
“Kebbi is a peaceful state. No government that enjoys massive support from the people and is confident of victory in 2027 would want the peace of the state to be disrupted,” Assalafy said.
The spokesman also alleged that security operatives in Malami’s convoy fired shots during the clash, a move he said intensified the violence.
