Former AGF Abubakar Malami’s convoy attacked in Birnin Kebbi. Supporters injured, vehicles destroyed; APC denies any involvement.
Former Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Abubakar Malami, narrowly escaped harm on September 1 after his convoy was violently attacked by suspected political thugs in Birnin Kebbi, the state capital.
The incident occurred while Malami was returning from a condolence visit to a bereaved family.
According to eyewitnesses, the assailants suddenly emerged along the convoy’s route, hurling stones and using weapons to disrupt the procession.
The attack resulted in the destruction of ten vehicles, leaving several of Malami’s supporters injured. Fortunately, the former AGF was unharmed.
The former chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Malami is currently the state leader of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Kebbi.
Malami condemned the attack as “politically motivated” and a blatant attempt to intimidate his supporters.
Speaking on the incident, he said: “I was in Birnin Kebbi solely to pay condolences to families who lost their loved ones.
“I was there in a private capacity, not for political purposes. It is deeply painful and unfortunate that some thugs, allegedly operating from the APC state headquarters, attacked our convoy with weapons and stones.
“They destroyed vehicles and injured innocent supporters who were accompanying me.”
The former minister further emphasized his resolve, assuring that the incident would not deter his political engagement in the state. He declared: “In Kebbi politics, there will be no retreat, no surrender. We remain committed to our cause and to serving the people of this state.”
In the aftermath, the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kebbi State denied any involvement in the attack.
Kebbi State APC Publicity Secretary, Isa Assalafy, denied any involvement by the party in the attack and strongly condemned the violence.
He said, “Kebbi is a peaceful state. No government that enjoys massive support from the people and is confident of victory in 2027 would want the peace of the state to be disrupted.”
Assalafy further alleged that security personnel attached to Malami’s convoy opened fire during the confrontation, a move he claimed escalated the situation unnecessarily.
He urged all political actors to remain calm and avoid actions that could inflame tensions in the state.
Political observers have described the attack as a worrying escalation of tension in Kebbi ahead of future elections, highlighting concerns about the use of violence to settle political differences.
Security agencies in the state are reportedly investigating the incident and seeking to identify those responsible for orchestrating the attack.