The Kwankwasiyya Movement has condemned what it described as a violent attack by suspected political thugs linked to the All Progressives Congress (APC) on its members during a political gathering in Rogo Local Government Area of Kano State.
In a press statement issued on March 15, the spokesperson of the movement, Habibu Sale Mohammed, said the incident occurred during a peaceful gathering organized to receive prominent defectors from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) into the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP).
According to the statement, the event was lawful and had been duly communicated to security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS).
However, the movement alleged that armed political thugs stormed the venue and violently disrupted the gathering, leaving more than 11 people injured. Those reportedly affected include the NNPP chairman of Rogo Local Government, a prominent PDP defector who previously contested for a seat in the National Assembly, and several supporters.
The group also alleged that the attackers vandalized and destroyed at least three vehicles and other valuable property belonging to its members.
The Kwankwasiyya Movement described the incident as a deliberate act of political intimidation intended to discourage the increasing number of defections to the NNPP and the growing influence of the movement across Kano State.
It further claimed that the incident follows similar patterns of violence in Tudun Wada Local Government Area and Doguwa Local Government Area, where it alleged that political thugs had been used to attack perceived opponents. The statement also referenced earlier incidents that reportedly resulted in serious consequences, including the death of a member of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
The movement criticized what it described as a climate of intimidation and political harassment in the state, alleging that opposition members were being targeted while perpetrators of violence acted with impunity.
It called on security agencies, including the police and the DSS, to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.
The group also reiterated its commitment to peaceful and democratic political engagement, stating that it would continue its activities despite the alleged intimidation.
“Democracy must not be replaced with thuggery, and political competition must not become a license for violence,” the statement added.