Seven persons feared dead, 63 arrested as political party supporters clash

Seven persons feared dead, 63 arrested as political party supporters clash

No fewer than seven persons may have died and 63 persons have been arrested after supporters of political parties clashed in Kano state.

According to The Cable, one of the persons feared to have died in the clashes was set ablaze after he was accused of killing three persons.

It was gathered that several other persons also reportedly sustained injuries, before the arrival of security operatives.

The clash reportedly broke out when some youths, suspected to be supporters of the presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Rabiu Kwankwaso, paraded through the streets of Kano state with machetes and sticks.

But while speaking on the clash, the spokesperson of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Ibrahim Abdullahi, told journalists that 63 persons found with “dangerous weapons” were arrested.

“We have arrested about 63 suspected thugs disrupting public peace, wielding dangerous weapons, burning vehicles, and snatching handsets from people,” he said.

“They are going to be investigated and taken to court for prosecution.”

Sources told journalists that some local government officials and party members were also arrested but there has been no official confirmation on the development.

Reacting to the incident, Garba Yusuf, an All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, denied claims that his party members were involved in the clashes.

“APC is not involved in any way and we are not aware of what happened. On behalf of the campaign council, we condemn this act and we will write to the police to immediately investigate the action,” he said.