Police probe attack on Pantami’s convoy in Gombe

The former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Professor Isa Ali Pantami

The Gombe State Police Command has commenced an investigation into an attack on the motorcade of the Peoples Democratic Party governorship candidate, Prof. Isa Pantami, by suspected political thugs in the Jekadafari area of the state.

The attack, which reportedly involved the burning of bonfires and the smashing of vehicle windshields, occurred as Pantami arrived in Gombe aboard a chartered flight and was welcomed by hundreds of supporters.

The supporters had gathered at the Emir’s Palace, where candidates were presented with their respective party flags.

Confirming the incident to Arewa PUNCH on Wednesday, the Police Public Relations Officer, Buhari Abdullahi, said no arrest had been made, adding that investigations were ongoing to identify those responsible.

Abdullahi, who spoke in a telephone interview, said security personnel had been adequately deployed to maintain order but that some hoodlums took advantage of the movement of the crowd to attack vehicles.

He said, “There is no arrest made yet, but investigation is ongoing. As you can see, there is adequate deployment of officers there. It was only when the crowd passed a particular point that the thugs began to barricade some of the remaining vehicles and attack them.”

On the number of vehicles affected, the police spokesman said the command could not establish the figure because no formal complaints had been lodged at any police station.

“So far, we cannot ascertain the number because none of them has reported to any police station. What we are relying on is the video clip circulating, which we cannot use to authenticate the number of vehicles affected as of now,” he added.

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Abdullahi assured residents that the command would pursue the investigation and prosecute anyone found culpable, warning political actors against resorting to violence.

He recalled that the Commissioner of Police, CP Umar Ahmed Chuso, had earlier warned that the command would not tolerate political thuggery, whether physical or through social media.

“Whoever is found culpable will be prosecuted accordingly. We are not going to relent or allow this to go unpunished. We must take it very firmly and ensure that whoever is found wanting is prosecuted,” he said.

The police spokesman urged members of the public with credible information about the incident to assist the investigation.

Meanwhile, speaking at the rally, Pantami took a swipe at his political opponents, declaring that his administration, if elected, would protect public resources rather than share them.

“Some are saying that if given a chance, they will share Gombe money, but if we are given the opportunity, we will protect Gombe money,” he said.

The former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy also made a pointed reference to his appointment into public office, contrasting his experience in Madina with that of political figures from Wurono in Jigawa State.

“Thank God I was brought from Madina to be given an appointment, unlike those from Wurono to become governor,” Pantami said. ENDS…