Violence Erupts Along Campaign Route as Radda Flags Off 2027 Bid in Katsina

0Violence marred the campaign kick-off of Katsina State Governor Dikko Radda in the Funtua Zone on Wednesday, leaving several All Progressives Congress supporters injured and property damaged along routes leading to the campaign venue.

The incident occurred as supporters travelled to Funtua Stadium for the Tinubu-Dikko campaign event. Victims alleged that groups of youths attacked them with stones, bottles and other dangerous objects, damaging mobile phones, clothing and personal belongings.

One victim told reporters: “We were simply on our way to attend the campaign kick-off when we encountered some angry youths who attacked us with stones and bottles. Many people were injured, and our property was destroyed. We cannot afford to replace what we lost”.

Another account indicated that the attackers were chanting “Ba mu yi,” a Hausa expression meaning “We do not agree,” while hurling objects at passing vehicles and shattering windscreens.

Police officers deployed along the route responded by firing tear gas to disperse the hoodlums and restore order.

Stones were reportedly seen scattered along the road at the Malumfashi town roundabout, which links the area to Bakori Local Government Area, suggesting disturbances may have occurred before the main event.

Despite the disruption, Radda proceeded with the presentation of his administration’s Building Your Future scorecard, highlighting achievements recorded since assuming office.

He called on residents to re-elect President Bola Tinubu and APC candidates in 2027, saying: “Without peace, economic activities suffer, children cannot go to school, and farmers cannot go to farm. We will sustain the momentum until every resident can go about his lawful business without fear”.

The Katsina APC chairman, Bishir Saulawa, described the Funtua flag-off as peaceful, saying no clashes or injuries were recorded at the stadium.

“I commend our party members, supporters, security agencies, and all stakeholders for their orderly conduct and commitment to ensuring a peaceful event,” he said.

However, his statement did not address the Malumfashi allegations or clarify whether his account covered supporters travelling to the event.

The victims appealed to security agencies to investigate the incident and bring those responsible to justice. As of the time of filing the report, the Katsina State Government, the APC and security authorities had not issued an official statement on the reported attack, and the number of injured persons and extent of damage could not be independently verified.

The campaign is designed to cover all 34 local government areas and 361 wards across Katsina State’s three senatorial zones ahead of the 2027 general elections.