Amnesty International has warned that the assault on the African Democratic Congress, ADC, presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar’s campaign convoy in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State, threatens the rights of opposition events to freely maintain political actions.
In a press release issued on Thursday, the rights organisation stated armed males blocked the convoy, attacked autos and assaulted folks with cutlasses.
Amnesty stated footage it analysed confirmed armed gangs hanging folks with cutlasses, attacking autos and blocking roads throughout the incident.
It added that members of the media crew overlaying the campaign have been additionally focused, with cameras and different gear destroyed.
The organisation stated the destruction of the gear was geared toward stopping journalists from documenting the campaign actions.
It warned that the incident might undermine the rights of opposition events and their supporters to freedom of affiliation and peaceable assembly.
Amnesty stated the Kebbi assault got here days after comparable violence in opposition to ADC campaign actions in neighbouring Sokoto State, describing the incidents as half of a troubling sample of assaults on opposition supporters.
The organisation additionally cited comparable assaults in Niger, Kaduna, Edo and Enugu states, alleging that authorities had failed to make sure accountability in instances it investigated.
“No one should lose their life or face violence simply for taking part in peaceful political activities,” Amnesty stated.
It warned that continued assaults on opposition events and their supporters might undermine democratic participation and create an environment of worry forward of the 2027 normal elections.
