Campaign Flag-Off Turns Violent in Zamfara, Three Allegedly Killed

By Ibrahim Sidi Muh’d, Gusau

A campaign flag-off ceremony organised by Hon. Kabiru Amadu Mai Palace, representing Gusau/Tsafe Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, reportedly turned violent on Tuesday, with three people allegedly killed in Mada District, Gusau Local Government Area of Zamfara.

The incident occurred during the flag-off ceremony organised by the lawmaker’s campaign committee in the community.

According to eyewitnesses, the event was disrupted by some youths who reportedly expressed dissatisfaction with the timing of the political gathering amid worsening insecurity in the area.

A resident, Danjuma Wayya, said residents were expecting politicians to focus more on security and humanitarian assistance than campaign activities.

“People were expecting politicians to pay condolence and sympathy visits at a time when innocent lives are being killed and others abducted for ransom,” Wayya said.

He added that Mada had become a refuge for people displaced from surrounding communities by bandit attacks, saying residents were in urgent need of food, clothing and medical supplies.

A shopkeeper, who requested anonymity, said he saw people running for safety during the incident.

“I did not understand what was happening, so I decided to lock my shop and leave. I was scared when I came across three people lying motionless in blood,” he said.

However, the media aide to Amadu Mai Palace, Mustapha Gusau, dismissed reports that angry youths disrupted the ceremony.

Gusau said the people of Mada welcomed the campaign flag-off and that the event was conducted peacefully.

“The event was conducted peacefully, with the people expressing joy because of the love they have for the Honourable Member of the House of Representatives, Kabiru Amadu Mai Palace,” he said.

The conflicting accounts could not immediately be independently verified.

Residents in the area have continued to call for stronger security measures and humanitarian support, saying the prevailing insecurity has displaced communities and forced some residents to seek refuge in bushes and caves.