Party faithful demand apology as police action sparks outrage at citizen engagement programme
GAGARAWA, JIGAWA STATE – A government-organised event turned chaotic on Sunday 20th April 2025 after police officers reportedly fired tear gas at members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Gagarawa Local Government Area, leaving several supporters injured and emotionally shaken.
The incident occurred during the 5th edition of the Government and Citizens Engagement Programme, an initiative led by Governor Umar Namadi to foster grassroots participation in governance.
“We Were Invited, Then Tear-Gassed” – APC Chieftains React
Eyewitnesses said trouble started when Hon. Nazifi Gumel, the federal lawmaker representing Gumel, Gagarawa, Maigatari, and Sule-Tankarkar, arrived at the venue with a large crowd of APC supporters from across the state.
Despite being members of the ruling party, the police allegedly blocked their entry and deployed tear gas to disperse the gathering.
“We were officially invited to the programme, only to be tear-gassed at the gate,” said Sani Adamu, a local APC leader.
“If our presence wasn’t needed, then why send us invitations?”
One supporter, Aminu Suleiman, reportedly burst into tears after inhaling tear gas.
“We answered the government’s call to participate, only to be treated like criminals,” he lamented.
Injuries and Chaos as Supporters Demand Justice
A respected party loyalist, Uwar Malam, was seen bleeding from a minor injury while crying for help. Speaking in Hausa, she said:
“This is unacceptable. We came only to show support and love for our Governor.”
Another APC supporter, Abba Isa, called the police action “unprovoked and provocative”, insisting the crowd was peaceful.
“There was no chaos until the police started firing tear gas,” he said.
Silence from Officials, Police Promise Investigation
Following the incident, APC members have called for:
- A public apology from the Jigawa State Police Command
- Assurance that such treatment will not happen again
Attempts to reach key officials—including Governor Namadi’s Chief Press Secretary, Hamisu Gumel, and Information Commissioner, Sagir Musa—were unsuccessful as calls went unanswered.
When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Shi’isu Adam, claimed the command was unaware of the incident as of press time.
“We’ll make further information available after a thorough investigation,” he said.
