By: Amina Mohammed, Lafia
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Nasarawa State has staged a peaceful protest, demanding a full-scale investigation by the police and the Department of State Services (DSS) into the disruption of activities during Vice President Kashim Shettima’s recent visit to the state.
The protesters called on security agencies to investigate the incident and ensure that those responsible are identified and brought to justice.
Led by the State APC Chairman, Dr Aliyu Bello, the protesters marched to the State Police Command, the DSS Command and the Government House in Lafia, accusing opposition supporters of repeated acts of violence, including the alleged killing of an APC supporter in Tudun Wada.
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The ruling party also criticised security agencies for allegedly failing to act on previous petitions submitted by the party over attacks on its members.
Representing Governor Abdullahi Sule, Deputy Governor, Emmanuel Akabe described the incident as “unfortunate and a disgrace to humanity”, expressing concern that security operatives had failed to prevent the disruption despite being adequately briefed ahead of the Vice President’s visit.
He added that the State Emergency Security Council had convened and taken decisions to address the security concerns. He also disclosed that the state’s former Commissioner of Police had been promoted to Assistant Inspector-General of Police and posted out of the state, with a new commissioner expected to assume duty.
In a swift reaction, the Social Democratic Party (SDP) campaign council dismissed the protest as a “state-sponsored” demonstration, accusing the ruling party of using it to target opposition figures and heighten political tension.
In a statement issued by its Director of Digital Media and Communications, Otaru Douglas, the SDP criticised what it described as provocative rhetoric from the APC leadership, describing the demonstration as an act of “executive recklessness” capable of threatening peace in the state.
Dialogue
The party urged the state government to prioritise dialogue and conflict resolution rather than actions that could deepen political divisions.
Responding to the protesters, the police assured them of their neutrality and pledged to investigate properly submitted complaints, while a DSS representative acknowledged receipt of their grievances and promised to communicate them to the appropriate authorities for necessary action.
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