No fewer than 40 individuals have reportedly been injured, whereas a number of others are missing, following a violent conflict on the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential marketing campaign rally in Lafia, the Nasarawa State capital.
The rally, which had Vice President Kashim Shettima in attendance, turned chaotic when some youths wearing APC regalia started chanting slogans in assist of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) governorship candidate, former Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Adamu Abubakar.
Their actions reportedly sparked a confrontation with safety operatives and supporters of the APC governorship candidate, Aliyu Wadada.
The scenario deteriorated as youths wielding harmful weapons from each side engaged in violent confrontations, forcing a number of dignitaries exterior the VIP part to flee for security.
Security operatives subsequently fired tear fuel to disperse the agitated youths and restore order.
Many individuals have been seen trying to find their family members after the mayhem.
Govt blames ex-governor, police boss
Meanwhile, the Nasarawa State Government has blamed former governor Umaru Al-Makura and the SDP governorship candidate, former IGP Adamu Abubakar, for the violence.
READ ALSO: Atiku arrives Sokoto amid campaign dispute as ADC urges Nigerians to reject APC
In a press release signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Labaran Magaji, the federal government described the incident as an “Ignoble act perpetuated by some irate youths suspected to be linked to some high-profile personalities, including Senator Tanko Al-Makura and IGP Muhammad Adamu Abubakar.”
It urged the State Security Service (SSS) to start a complete investigation into the incident instantly.
“Accordingly, the Department of State Security Service is hereby directed to immediately institute a full investigation to unravel the cause of the incident.”
The organisers have been compelled to deliver the rally to an abrupt finish to make sure the protection of dignitaries who had travelled from inside and out of doors the state to attend the occasion.
Meanwhile, stress stays excessive in Lafia, with safety operatives deployed throughout strategic places within the city to forestall a doable escalation of violence and preserve public order.
Discover extra from Premium Times Nigeria
Subscribe to get the newest posts despatched to your electronic mail.
