Police Declares State of Emergency on All Political Gatherings After Attack on El-Rufai
Kaduna Police have suspended all political meetings not cleared by security agencies after violent clashes at an opposition gathering.
The move follows unrest at an El-Rufai-attended event where thugs attacked and shots were fired.
The Kaduna State Police Command has placed an immediate suspension on all political meetings not formally cleared by security agencies, following violent clashes that disrupted an opposition gathering attended by former Governor Nasir El-Rufai.
Police spokesman, Mansir Hassan, said in a statement that the decision was taken to prevent a repeat of Saturday’s violence, where suspected thugs invaded a meeting, leaving several people injured and property destroyed.
According to Hassan, early findings showed that the meeting was held without official clearance, a move he described as a breach of security protocol. He further alleged that individuals loyal to the former governor were involved in firing shots during the chaos.
“Our preliminary investigation shows the meeting was convened without prior notice to security agencies, and during the unrest, armed groups linked to the former governor discharged firearms, causing panic and threatening public peace,” Hassan explained. “For the sake of stability and safety, we are directing that no such unauthorized meetings should take place until due process is followed and security arrangements are in place.”
The police also revealed that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) leadership at the state level denied any involvement in the gathering and distanced itself from the organizers.
The fracas occurred during what was said to be the inauguration of a transition committee by some opposition elements. Armed men carrying cutlasses, clubs, and stones stormed the event, attacking attendees and damaging vehicles. Witnesses accused officers present of failing to intervene decisively.
Former governor El-Rufai, who was at the venue, strongly criticized the security response, describing the incident as a worrying slide into disorder. He accused senior officers of deliberately looking away as the violence unfolded.
“In my view, the police stood by and allowed thugs to attack people and vandalize vehicles. A senior officer even concealed his identity tag, which is against police standards. We will be taking this matter up with the highest authorities,” El-Rufai said.
The violence comes amid rising internal conflict within the Kaduna ADC. A faction calling itself “Concerned ADC Members, Coalition Partners and Stakeholders” accused El-Rufai of taking over the party’s structure and sidelining its elected leadership.
The group, led by Hon. Adamu Dattijo, issued a warning that the former governor’s influence was deepening divisions that could jeopardize the party’s future. “We are appealing to the national leadership to safeguard the unity of the ADC in Kaduna by ensuring all activities pass through the recognized state executives,” Dattijo said.
In response, Kaduna APC secretary, Alhaji Yahaya Baba-Pate, rejected claims that the ruling party was behind the attacks, insisting they had no involvement in the violence.
Meanwhile, the police command reiterated that investigations are still ongoing and assured that anyone found responsible regardless of position will face prosecution.
