Tension erupted in Tarabu village, Kirikasamma Local Government Area of Jigawa State on Wednesday when angry youths attacked dignitaries during the flag-off of a 23.4-kilometre road project linking Tarabu to Gafta.
Governor Umar Namadi Danmodi, who led the ceremony, reportedly escaped unhurt alongside several top politicians after the event turned violent.
Among those who narrowly avoided harm were Hon. Abubakar Fulata, member representing Guri/Kirikasamma/Birniwa Federal Constituency, and Alhaji Muhammad Maji, Chairman of Kirikasamma Local Government Area.
Witnesses said that the attack began moments after the governor had performed the groundbreaking ceremony.
Dozens of irate youths began pelting stones and other objects at the governor’s convoy, as well as vehicles belonging to government officials and security personnel.
The situation threw the venue into confusion, forcing security operatives to fire shots into the air to disperse the crowd. Several vehicles were damaged in the process, though no fatalities were reported.
A source familiar with the incident said the unrest was triggered by long-standing grievances against Hon. Fulata, whom the protesters accused of abandoning his constituency and failing to initiate meaningful development projects.
“The youths were shouting his name and calling him a failure. They believe he has done little for Kirikasamma, especially when compared to lawmakers from nearby areas,” the source said.
Another eyewitness said that the protest had been planned days before the event, adding that security agents underestimated the level of hostility in the community.
“Everyone knew tension was high, but they thought the presence of the governor would calm the youths. Instead, it made things worse,” he said.
The incident disrupted what was meant to be a key part of Governor Namadi’s citizen engagement and rural infrastructure drive across Jigawa State.
The Tarabu–Gafta Road is expected to improve connectivity between agrarian communities and ease transportation of farm produce.
While the state government has yet to release an official statement, a senior official described the attack as “unfortunate and politically motivated,” assuring that the perpetrators would be identified and prosecuted.
Community leaders in Kirikasamma have since appealed for calm, urging both government officials and the youths to prioritize dialogue over violence.
“This is a wake-up call for politicians to reconnect with their people,” said one village elder. “We need development, not chaos.”
As of press time, normalcy had returned to the area, though security operatives remained on high alert to prevent further unrest
Do you want to share a story with us? Do you want to advertise with us? Do you need publicity for a product, service, or event? Contact us on WhatsApp +2348183319097 Email: platformtimes@gmail.com
We are committed to impactful investigative journalism for human interest and social justice. Your donation will help us tell more stories. Kindly donate any amount HERE