The Kwankwasiyya Movement has accused political thugs allegedly linked to the All Progressives Congress (APC) of attacking its members during a political gathering in Rogo Local Government Area of Kano State.
The group said the incident occurred during a meeting organised to formally welcome defectors from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) into the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP).
In a statement issued at the weekend by its spokesperson, Habibu Sale Mohammed, the movement alleged that armed thugs stormed the venue of the event and violently disrupted the gathering, leaving more than 11 participants injured.
Among those reportedly injured were the NNPP Chairman in Rogo Local Government Area, a prominent PDP defector described as a former National Assembly candidate, and several supporters who attended the event.
According to the statement, the attackers also vandalised at least three vehicles and other properties belonging to members of the movement.
The group said the gathering had been peaceful and lawful, adding that organisers had notified security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS), before the programme.
The Kwankwasiyya Movement described the incident as a deliberate attempt to intimidate opposition supporters and halt what it called a growing wave of defections to the NNPP in Kano.
“This attack was not accidental but a premeditated act of political intimidation aimed at discouraging the rising support for the Kwankwasiyya Movement across the State,” the statement said.
The group further alleged that the incident followed a similar pattern of violence in Tudun Wada and Doguwa local government areas, where it claimed opposition supporters had also been targeted.
It also referenced the recent killing of a personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) during a violent incident in Tudun Wada, which security agencies are currently investigating.
The movement criticised what it described as the increasing use of political thugs in the state and warned that continued violence could undermine democratic activities as the next election cycle approaches.
While reiterating its commitment to peaceful political engagement, the group called on security agencies to investigate the incident and bring those responsible to justice.
It also urged the police and other security agencies to remain neutral and ensure fairness in the handling of political disputes in the State.
“The Kwankwasiyya Movement will not be intimidated or silenced. We remain committed to democratic participation and will continue to mobilise supporters across Kano,” the statement added.
Efforts to obtain immediate reaction from officials of the APC in Kano were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.
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