The Jigawa State Police Command faced heavy criticism on Sunday after officers dispersed All Progressives Congress (APC) supporters who had gathered for a government function in Gagarawa Local Government Area.
Grassroots Parrot reports that the event was the fifth edition of the Government and Citizens Engagement Programme, an initiative by the state government aimed at gathering public input for policymaking and promoting people-centred governance.
Tensions rose when Governor Umar Namadi, an APC member, was already seated at the venue, and federal lawmaker Nazifi Gumel—representing Gumel, Gagarawa, Maigatari, and Sule-Tankarkar—arrived with a large crowd of supporters.
Eyewitnesses reported that police fired tear gas at the venue’s entrance, allegedly to control what they described as an “unnecessary crowd.”
The incident sparked outrage among APC supporters, many of whom questioned why they were invited if their presence was unwelcome.
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“We were officially invited but denied entry,” said Sani Adamu, a well-known APC supporter. Another supporter, Aminu Suleiman, broke into tears after inhaling tear gas, asking, “If you don’t want our presence, why invite us?”
Others echoed similar frustrations, saying they only responded to the government’s invitation. “We came to support our governor,” said Lawan Muhammad, visibly upset.
A female supporter, Uwar Malam, was seen bleeding and crying for help. Speaking in Hausa, she said, “Wannan bai dace ba, mun zo ne domin mu nunawa Gwamnan mu kauna,” meaning, “This is unacceptable. We came to show love for our governor.”
Another attendee, Abba Isa, described the police action as unnecessary. “We weren’t causing any trouble. They should have let us in,” he said.
The aggrieved supporters are demanding an explanation and an apology from the police, along with assurances that such an incident will not be repeated.
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Efforts to reach the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Hamisu Gumel, and the Commissioner for Information, Sagir Musa, were unsuccessful as calls went unanswered.
When contacted, the state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Shi’isu Adam, said the command was unaware of the incident at the time but promised an investigation and possible public statement if needed.