A convoy carrying former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, was attacked by suspected political thugs in Birnin Kebbi on Monday, resulting in several injuries and damaged vehicles.
Malami, who now leads the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Kebbi State, had just returned to the state and was on a condolence visit to several bereaved families in the metropolis when the incident occurred.
Eyewitnesses reported that about 10 vehicles in the convoy were vandalized during the assault, and numerous supporters sustained varying degrees of injuries.
Speaking to journalists, Malami condemned the attack, calling it politically motivated:
“I was in Birnin Kebbi solely to pay condolences to families who lost their loved ones while I was away, not for political campaigns.
It’s painful and unfortunate. Some thugs emerged from the APC state headquarters, armed with weapons and stones, and attacked our convoy, destroying vehicles and injuring our supporters,” he said.
He added emphatically:
“When it comes to politics in Kebbi State, there is no retreat, no surrender.”
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kebbi State has denied any involvement in the incident. In a statement issued by its Publicity Secretary, Isa Assalafy, the party condemned the violence and emphasized the state’s reputation for peace.
“No government that enjoys the massive support of the people and is confident of victory in 2027 would want the peace of the state disrupted,” Assalafy said.
However, he also alleged that the confrontation was escalated by armed security personnel attached to Malami’s convoy, who he claimed opened fire during the altercation.
As of the time of filing this report, the Kebbi State Police Command had not yet released an official statement regarding the attack.
