Police Investigate El-Rufai Linked Meeting After Violence Erupts in Kaduna
By Trek Africa Newspaper
The Kaduna State Police Command has launched an investigation into a political meeting allegedly linked to former governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, which reportedly turned violent at the weekend.
Eyewitnesses said the gathering, held in Kaduna, started as a routine political meeting before tempers flared among participants.
The disagreement, they claimed, soon escalated into physical confrontations.
The situation worsened when sporadic gunshots were heard, forcing residents around the venue to flee for safety. The incident sparked panic as many initially mistook it for a bandit attack.
Confirming the development, the spokesperson of the Kaduna State Police Command said officers had been deployed to restore calm and commence a full investigation.
According to the police, detectives are reviewing available evidence, interviewing witnesses, and working to identify those responsible for the violence.
The command said no arrests had been officially confirmed as of press time but assured that anyone found culpable would face the law.
“We will not allow political gatherings to become breeding grounds for violence,” the police statement read in part.
Sources at the meeting alleged that it was attended by loyalists of the former governor and that discussions focused on political strategies ahead of the next election cycle.
However, divisions reportedly emerged during the meeting over loyalty and leadership issues, which triggered the clash.
Residents in nearby communities recounted moments of fear. One witness said, “We just heard gunshots and everyone ran indoors. The whole area was tense.”
The incident has since raised fresh concerns over political tensions in Kaduna, a state already facing persistent security challenges.
Civil society groups have condemned the outbreak of violence, urging political leaders to caution their supporters and calling on security agencies to act decisively.
So far, El-Rufai has not issued a statement regarding the meeting, and efforts to reach his media aides were unsuccessful.
Analysts note that the former governor remains a key figure in Kaduna politics, and the unrest highlights the volatile nature of grassroots political mobilization.
The police command has assured residents that updates will be provided as investigations continue.
