Scores have been reportedly injured while over 100 vehicles were vandalised as political hoodlums suspected to be of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC and that of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP clashed at Maiduguri during PDP, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar presidential campaign rally.
Confirming the attack, PDP Spokesperson, Dino Melaye said the All Progressives Congress(APC) tried to stop their campaign in the state by deploying thugs to attack them.
He said, “they deployed their thugs to attack our convoys with stones, sticks, matchets as we left the Shehu’s Palace to come to the Ramat Square, all in an attempt to stop our rally.” Dino said.
He lamented that the “thugs were deployed in many strategic locations to attack our supporters. But we want to assure them that nobody can stop us.”
Meanwhile, the Borno APC Chairman, Dalori has debunked attack on Atiku’s convoy. Reacting to the alleged attacks on Atiku’s Convoy on Wednesday in Maiduguri, the Chairman of APC in Borno state, Hon Ali Bukar Dalori said, there was no incidence of attack by APC thugs on any convoy of the opposition parties in the state as alleged.
“I am disappointed by the allegations made by Dino Meleye that some APC thugs attacked Atiku’s convoy while in Maiduguri for their Presidential Campaign rally.
“We all know that, since Governor Babagana Zulum takes over the mantle of leadership, in his acceptance speech was to Ban all political thuggery across the state.
Our ruling party is a law-abiding political party, and that was why we as government did not deny PDP a venue for their rally as witnessed in some states.
“All I know is that there is no PDP in Borno, and if Dino Meleye would lack what he will tell the people of Borno on what they intend to converse for votes, he should desist from fabricating lies against our Party”. Hon Dalori stated.
However, the Borno State Police Command has debunked the alleged attack on the PDP Presidential candidate convoy in the state.
According to ASP Sani Kamilu Muhammed, the State Police Public Relations Officer, there has been a fake news trending propagated by some mischievous element across the social media that has attracted the attention of many Nigerian, alleging that the PDP Presidential candidate convoys was stoned in Borno on the 9th November 2022 while holding a campaign rally in the state.”
“The Commissioner of Police CP Abdu Umar was physically present to supervise the place.
“The command wishes to state authoritatively that the news is not only FAKE but also FALSE and mischievous attempt by some unguided people to incite disturbance and distract the peace of Borno people and Nigeria at large.
“The campaign/rally was conducted successfully, as tight/adequate security coverage was emplaced throughout the activities. the candidate and his party were accompanied to the Shehu’s Palace by the Police to pay a courtesy call to Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai Al-amin El-kanemi, after which they were escorted until they departed the town.
“it is worth noting that one person named Danladi Musa Abbas 32 years old who attempted to disrupt the convoys along the airport road was arrested by the Police inside a church after a hot chase in an attempt to escape. He is under the command custody with a stone which is an exhibit.
“The commissioner of Police CP Abdu Umar is therefore calling the attention of the general public to avoid spreading rumours and fake news that may disrupt the peaceful coexistence and incite disturbance, particularly as the election is so forthcoming.
“Finally, the command is at top gear to ensure that Borno state is free from any conflict, before, during and even after the election.