The Kaduna State Police Command has initiated a comprehensive investigation into an alleged political meeting reportedly connected to former governor Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, which descended into chaos, resulting in violence and sporadic gunshots. The announcement was made by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan, during a press briefing in Kaduna on Sunday.
According to police reports, the incident occurred late Saturday in a yet-to-be-disclosed location within the state capital. The gathering, purportedly organized by supporters of the former governor, allegedly turned violent following heated disputes among attendees. Eyewitnesses reported hearing gunshots, which caused panic and led to injuries, though the exact number of casualties remains unconfirmed.
“The Kaduna State Police Command is treating this matter with utmost seriousness,” DSP Hassan stated. “We have deployed operatives to the scene, and a full-scale investigation is underway to ascertain the cause of the violence, identify those involved, and ensure justice is served.”
Preliminary findings suggest that the meeting was convened to discuss political strategies ahead of the 2027 general elections. However, police have yet to confirm the direct involvement of Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, who served as Kaduna State Governor from 2015 to 2023 and remains a prominent figure in Nigerian politics. Efforts to reach El-Rufai or his representatives for comment were unsuccessful at the time of this report.
The police have cordoned off the site of the incident and are appealing to the public for information to aid the investigation. DSP Hassan assured residents that measures have been put in place to restore calm and prevent further unrest. “We urge the people of Kaduna to remain law-abiding and report any suspicious activities to the authorities,” he added.
This incident comes amid heightened political tensions in Kaduna State, a region with a history of political and communal clashes. Authorities have vowed to crack down on any activities that threaten public safety and order.
The investigation is ongoing, and the police have promised to provide updates as more details emerge. Residents are advised to avoid the affected area while security operatives work to stabilize the situation.
