Idris Abubakar
Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal of Sokoto state has condemned and vowed to bring to book attackers of his motorcade on Sunday.
Hitherto unknown thugs had stormed the Governor’s convoy with a hail of stones in the state capital, Sokoto while he was returning with his entourage and party officials from the campaign tour of Silame and Wammako local government areas of the state.
The Special Adviser Media and Publicity to the Governor, Muhammad Bello in a statement said Governor Tambuwal at the time of the assault was with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) gubernatorial candidates of Sokoto and Kebbi states, Mallam Saidu Umar (Mallam Ubandoman Sokoto) and Gen. Aminu Bande (rtd), the Deputy gubernatorial candidate of Sokoto state, Hon. Sagir Bafarawa and other dignitaries all of whom escaped unhurt.
Nonetheless, two vehicles in the fleet were damaged by the attackers.
According to the statement, Tambuwal told journalists at the close of stakeholders meeting with political appointees in the state that some of the attackers have been arrested and will soon be prosecuted.
“The matter is being investigated by the security agencies. Some arrests have been made. Rest assured that the law will take its course,” he said.
The State Commissioner for Information, Hon. Akibu Dalhatu in a separate press briefing said the attacker’s gang leader, one Abu Mai Adda is said to be on the watch list of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in the last three months for allegedly attacking their personnel was one of those apprehended.
He said Mai Adda also destroyed some vehicles in the Governor’s convoy and stole five motorcycles after attacking PDP supporters at the campaign ground in Wamakko.
The statement also quoted Governor Tambuwal saying: “It is unfortunate that yesterday on our way back from Wammako, at the Senatorial office of Aliyu Magatakarda Wammako, some hoodlums attacked my convoy on our way to the Government House.
“We cannot condone any culture of violence in Sokoto state,” the Governor said while appealing for peace. We cannot afford to toy with the fragile peace in the state.
“I, therefore, urge all political leaders in Sokoto to eschew violence; and to advise all their followers and supporters, to go out and campaign peacefully; look for votes, and not perpetrate violence.
“As you know, we believe in peace. We have been preaching peace and peaceful coexistence in Sokoto state, irrespective of political party differences, lineage, or persuasions,” he added.
