Violence mars Radda’s campaign kick-off in Katsina

Governor of Katsina State, Dikko Umaru Radda, while interacting with beneficiaries of the programme in Daura on Thursday. Photo: X | Dikko Radda

Violence reportedly marred the campaign kick-off of Katsina State Governor Dikko Radda in the Funtua Zone on Wednesday, leaving several All Progressives Congress supporters injured and property damaged.

The incident, which occurred along routes leading to the campaign venue, Funtua Stadium, reportedly involved groups of youths who attacked supporters travelling to attend the Tinubu-Dikko campaign event.

Some of the victims alleged that the attackers assaulted them with stones, bottles and other dangerous objects, while mobile phones, clothing and other personal belongings were damaged or destroyed.

One of the victims who spoke to reporters said the supporters were attacked while making their way to the venue.

“We were simply on our way to attend the campaign kick-off when we encountered some angry youths who attacked us with stones and bottles. Many people were injured, and our property was destroyed. We cannot afford to replace what we lost,” the victim said.

Another account from the affected supporters indicated that the incident disrupted their movement to the campaign venue and left some of them requiring attention for injuries sustained during the alleged attack.

The victims called on security agencies to investigate the incident, identify those responsible and ensure that they were brought to justice.

“We appeal to the security agencies and relevant authorities to investigate what happened and ensure that those responsible are held accountable,” one of the victims said.

Earlier, stones were reportedly seen scattered along the road around the Malumfashi town roundabout, which links the area to the Bakori Local Government Area.

Several vehicles were also said to have sustained windscreen damage, suggesting that disturbances may have occurred before the main campaign event.

Despite the reported violence, Radda proceeded with the presentation of his administration’s Building Your Future scorecard, highlighting achievements recorded since assuming office and outlining ongoing projects across key sectors.

The campaign is part of the administration’s grassroots mobilisation efforts ahead of the 2027 governorship election, with activities planned across the Funtua, Daura and Katsina senatorial zones.

The statewide campaign is expected to cover all 34 local government areas and 361 wards in Katsina State.

The reported violence raises concerns about political tolerance, public safety and the protection of citizens during campaign activities ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Political parties and their supporters are expected to conduct campaigns peacefully, while security agencies have a responsibility to protect lives and property and investigate reported acts of violence.

As of the time of filing this report, the Katsina State Government, the APC and security authorities had not issued an official statement on the reported incident.

The circumstances surrounding the attack, the number of injured persons and the extent of property damage could not be independently verified.