*Attackers’ gang leader, hitherto on NSCDC watch-list, others arrested
By KEMI KASUMU
Governor of Sokoto State, Alhaji Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, has reacted to Sunday’s attack on his convoy during political campaign that took his train to Silame and Wamakko Local Government Areas of the state.
In the reaction contained in a statement, on Monday, signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mallam Muhammad Bello, and copy of which was sent to The DEFENDER, the Governor, who condemned the attack, vowed to bring to book attackers of his motorcade.
“Hitherto unknown thugs had stormed the Governor’s convoy with hail of stones in the state capital, Sokoto while he was returning, with his entourage and party officials, from campaign tour of Silame and Wammako local government areas of the state,” the statement said.
It said, “Also with the Governor at the time of the assault were 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,” it said.
However, The DEFENDER reports Tambuwal told journalists at the close of a stakeholders meeting with political appointees in the state that some of the attackers had been arrested and would 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,” the Governor stated.
According to the state Commissioner for Information, Hon. Akibu Dalhatu, in a separate press briefing, the attackers gang leader, one Abu Mai Adda, said to be on the watch-list of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in the last three month for allegedly attacking their personnel, was one of those apprehended.
The Commissioner 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 Wammako.
Governor Tambuwal on his part said, “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; and 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.
