Amnesty International Condemns Attack on Pantami’s PDP Convoy in Gombe, Accuses Suspected APC Thugs

Amnesty International has condemned the attack on the campaign convoy of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Gombe State, Professor Isa Ali Pantami, calling on security agencies to investigate the incident and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.

The human rights organisation issued the condemnation on Thursday, November 12, following Wednesday’s violence along Jekadafari Road in Gombe, where suspected political thugs reportedly attacked vehicles accompanying Pantami as he arrived in the state capital for a political reception and rally.

In its statement, Amnesty International described the incident as a deliberate and wanton act of violence that appeared intended to prevent the PDP candidate from entering Gombe town ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The organisation said its preliminary findings suggested that the attackers were suspected to be working for individuals affiliated with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). However, the allegation has not been independently established.

According to Amnesty International, videos circulating on social media showed large numbers of suspected attackers armed with dangerous weapons, blocking the road with tyres before setting them ablaze.

The attackers also reportedly smashed the windscreens of several vehicles in the PDP campaign convoy, causing panic and bringing vehicular movement along the road to a standstill.

The organisation described the incident as one of the most serious acts of political violence reported since activities began ahead of the 2027 elections.

Amnesty warned that the incident could undermine the ability of opposition parties to organise peaceful political activities, particularly as political campaigns and preparations for the 2027 elections gather momentum.

“Consistent violent attacks on the opposition will make it difficult or impossible for them to hold peaceful political activities,” the organisation said, insisting that violence has no place in a democratic society.

It urged security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation and ensure that anyone found responsible is prosecuted through a fair trial. Amnesty also called on all political parties to issue clear instructions to their supporters against intimidation, attacks and other forms of political violence.

Meanwhile, the Gombe State Police Command has confirmed the attack and commenced an investigation. The Police Public Relations Officer, Buhari Abdullahi, said no arrests had been made as of Thursday, adding that officers were deployed to maintain order during the procession.

Abdullahi explained that the attackers struck after much of the crowd had moved past a particular point, targeting vehicles that remained behind. He also said the command could not establish the exact number of vehicles damaged because no formal complaints had been lodged at police stations.

The police spokesman assured that anyone found culpable would be prosecuted and appealed to members of the public with credible information to assist the investigation.

The PDP also condemned the violence, describing the attacks on its supporters as barbaric and undemocratic, and called for the prosecution of those responsible.

However, the Gombe State APC Campaign Council presented a counter-allegation, accusing some PDP supporters of destroying properties belonging to residents and APC members, including vehicles, shops and campaign billboards. The council called on security agencies to investigate the allegations and urged its supporters to avoid retaliatory attacks.

The competing allegations have heightened concerns over political tension in Gombe as parties prepare for the 2027 elections. While the police have confirmed the attack on Pantami’s convoy, responsibility for the violence and the rival claims of property destruction remain matters for investigation.

Amnesty International maintained that political disagreements must not be settled through violence, urging all political parties and their supporters to respect the rights of others to participate in democratic activities without fear or intimidation.

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