The Kebbi State Government has warned political parties, supporters and other stakeholders against political thuggery, violence and the destruction of property as campaigns for the 2027 general elections gather pace, and called for a transparent probe into recent unrest in parts of Jega local government area.
The warning and call for investigation were made in a statement issued by the office of the governor’s communications team and reported by multiple local outlets. The statement was attributed to the Special Adviser to Governor Nasir Idris on Communication and Strategy, but outlets gave different versions of the adviser’s full name.
Reacting to the unrest, the statement said: “The Kebbi State Government condemns the recent violence and destruction reported in parts of Jega and considers the incident unacceptable.” The statement, as reported, urged security agencies to conduct a transparent investigation and to ensure that “anyone found culpable was brought to justice, irrespective of political affiliation or status.”
The government described the conduct in Jega as politically motivated and warned that insecurity should not be used to justify attacks on people or property. The statement said: “It is important to note that insecurity should not become a pretext for violence, destruction of property, or attacks on individuals and political organisations.”
Authorities also called on political parties, their supporters, community leaders and other stakeholders to exercise restraint and avoid inflammatory statements or actions likely to escalate tensions. The government emphasised that political differences should be resolved through “dialogue, lawful democratic processes and peaceful engagement rather than confrontation.”
The statement commended security agencies, traditional institutions and community leaders for efforts to restore calm and protect lives and property in Jega, and expressed sympathy with residents who suffered losses during the incident.
It also warned that the state administration’s socio-economic development programmes and projects would not be allowed to be undermined by politically motivated violence, adding that “no individual, group of individuals or organisation can claim monopoly of violence under any guise.” The government said it would work with security agencies and communities to safeguard peace and sustainable development.
Punch published the statement on Sunday, naming the adviser as Abdullahi Idris, the Special Adviser to Governor Nasir Idris on Communication and Strategy. Daily Post published a similar report that named the adviser as Abdullahi Idris Zuru and said the statement was issued on Saturday. The two reports agree on the government’s contentions but differ on the adviser’s full name and the day the statement was issued.
Sources: see official statement coverage by Punch and reporting by Daily Post.
Featured image: Unknown author Unknown author via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0.
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