MURIC Condemns Attack On Pantami’s Convoy, Demands Justice
By KEMI KASUMU
The organisation reaffirmed its commitment to justice, peaceful coexistence, religious tolerance and the protection of the rights of all citizens, irrespective of their political or religious affiliations.
The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), Gombe State Chapter, has condemned the reported attack on the convoy of Professor Isa Ali Pantami, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Gombe State, allegedly by suspected political thugs in the Jekadafari area of Gombe metropolis.
The group called on the police to conduct a thorough, impartial and transparent investigation into the incident and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.
In a press statement issued on Friday, November 13, 2026, and signed by its Gombe State Chairman, Dr. Garba Abubakar Bajoga, MURIC described the reported attack as disturbing and a threat to peace, security and democratic values in the state.
According to the statement, the incident reportedly involved the setting up of bonfires, barricading of vehicles and destruction of vehicle windshields.
MURIC stressed that the safety and security of every citizen remained a fundamental right that must be protected irrespective of political affiliation, religious persuasion or ideological differences.
It, however, expressed particular concern over the incident because of Pantami’s prominence as a Muslim political figure and internationally recognised Islamic scholar.
The organisation maintained that political disagreements must not degenerate into intimidation, harassment, physical assault or destruction of property, noting that democracy thrives on the peaceful exchange of ideas and freedom of political participation.
While acknowledging the Gombe State Police Command’s confirmation of the incident and assurance that investigations were ongoing, MURIC urged the Commissioner of Police, CP Umar Ahmed Chuso, to ensure that the investigation identified all those involved and brought them to justice.
The group also expressed concern that no arrests had reportedly been made as of the time of the police statement, urging security operatives to intensify efforts to apprehend the perpetrators.
It appealed to members of the public with credible information, video evidence or other useful intelligence to assist the police in their investigation.
MURIC further called on political parties, candidates, supporters, youth groups and other stakeholders in the state to exercise restraint and avoid actions capable of undermining peace and security.
It urged the Gombe State Government and relevant security agencies to strengthen security arrangements around political gatherings to ensure that candidates and their supporters could exercise their democratic rights without intimidation.
“Our position is clear: No political disagreement is worth the destruction of human lives, property or the peace of our society. The right to political participation must be respected, and violence must never be allowed to become an instrument of political competition,” the statement said.
The organisation reaffirmed its commitment to justice, peaceful coexistence, religious tolerance and the protection of the rights of all citizens, irrespective of their political or religious affiliations.
It also prayed for sustained peace and security in Gombe State, urging all stakeholders to place the collective interest of the people above partisan considerations.
