By KATO P. LADAN, Kaduna
The duo of Senator Suleiman Hunkuyi, Senator representing Kaduna North Zone and Alhaji Tijjani Ramalan, the Chairman of Liberty TV/Radio were said to have escaped assassination attempt on Sunday.
It was gathered reliably that the incident occurred around 3:30pm, towards the end of a stakeholders forum organised for stakeholders of Kaduna Central Zone at the NUC hall, Mogadishu layout, Yan Doya.
“Sponsored assassins found they way into the hall and sat amongst the audience. Seeing the event was coming to a close, some of them broke a fire extinguisher creating a loud bangwhich led to a panic. Soon after, the gunmen appeared from within the crowd yielding axes, guns and other weapons,” a source said.
Witness said that there were about 10 gunmen wielding guns and other weapons with clearly intent on causing maximum damage.
The Senator and a chieftain of the APC, Alhaji Tijjani Ramalan were the obvious targets, as both men were shot at severally but both narrowly escaped with their lives.
However, damage caused by bullets were seen on the vehicle belonging to Tijjani Ramalan as the gunmen made efforts to assassinate him while he was driven away by his Security team. Several injuries were also reported with no casualties.
Tijjani Ramalans vehicle with bullet hole at the side.
Thugs tried to shoot at Tijjani Ramalan while he was driven away
At the time of this report, one suspect is said to be arrested and is cooperating with the Police.
Meanwhile, Governor Nasir el-Rufai has condemned the attacks, vowing to apprehend those behind it.
In a statement signed by his spokesman Samuel Aruwan. issued on Sunday, he ordered law enforcement agents to go after culprits.
“The Kaduna State Government has warned that it will not tolerate the use of violence as a political instrument. The government condemned in strong terms the reported disruption of a political meeting in Kaduna by thugs.
“Kaduna State Government received reports of an act of lawlessness and political thuggery during a political meeting at the instance of a serving lawmaker and associates.
“The Government of Kaduna State condemned in strong terms, this unfortunate which is undemocratic and contrary to democratic principles.
“Security agencies have been directed to investigate the incidence and take necessary action to prosecute anyone indicted,” it stated.
