V!olent cl∆sh at APC rally in Lafia leaves over 40 !njured, govt blames Al-Makura, ex-IGP

Violent clash at APC rally in Lafia leaves over 40 injured, govt blames Al-Makura, ex-IGP

Over 40 people have been reportedly injured, while several others are missing following a violent clash at the All Progressives Congress presidential campaign rally in Lafia, Nasarawa State.

According to Premium Times, the chaos erupted when some youths dressed in APC clothing began chanting slogans in support of the Social Democratic Party governorship candidate, Adamu Abubakar.

Mr. Abubakar is a former Inspector-General of Police.

Their actions reportedly sparked a confrontation with security operatives and supporters of the APC governorship candidate, Aliyu Wadada.

The situation deteriorated as youths wielding dangerous weapons from both sides engaged in violent confrontations.

The paper also said dignitaries outside the VIP section were forced to flee for safety.

Security operatives subsequently fired tear gas to disperse the agitated youths and restore order.

Many people were seen searching for their loved ones after the mayhem.

The organisers were forced to bring the rally to an abrupt end to ensure the safety of dignitaries who traveled from within and outside the state.

In a statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Labaran Magaji, the government described the incident as an “ignoble act perpetuated by some irate youths suspected to be linked to some high-profile personalities, including Senator Tanko Al-Makura and IGP Muhammad Adamu Abubakar.”

It urged the State Security Service to commence a comprehensive investigation into the incident immediately.

‘Accordingly, the Department of State Security Service is hereby directed to immediately institute a full investigation to unravel the cause of the incident,’ the statement read.