Sunday, February 4, saw protests erupt in Rigachikun in the Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna state in response to violence that resulted from Saturday’s rerun elections for the Igabi Federal Constituency, which tragically claimed the life of Kaduna State University graduate Mansur Shafiu.
On Sunday, February 4, at around 10:00 am, the angry youths from Rigachikun town blocked the Kaduna-Zaria motorway to voice their outrage over the horrific death of one of their community members.
Soldiers have since moved in and scattered those who were protesting.
It was reported that violence broke out when the ballots were counted on Saturday and that PDP was ahead in Box 06 of the Women Centre ward in Rigachikun.
According to eyewitness accounts, while the counting was taking place, a group of thugs and a few security guards broke into the area in a Hillux van with the licence plate RBC 144 AP, stole the ballot box and drove off with the INEC officials.
A resident of the area, Musa Umar said: “After they left, the former speaker Kaduna state House of Assembly, Yusuf Ibrahim Zailani from APC who is also a resident of the area came to the scene in company of police and the people started shouting ” karyane ba ma yi”. Meaning, it’s a lie, we are not doing.
“It was at that moment the police accompanying the former Speaker started shooting into the air. In the process, a stray bullet hit Mansur Shafiu whose shop was near-by,” he narrated.
Mansur, who was hit by the stray bullet, was taken to the hospital but died on Saturday night at around 10:00 p.m.
The Deputy Commissioner of Police in Charge of Criminal Investigation has been instructed by Commissioner of Police Ali Dabigi to look into the incident and arrest the culprits, according to Kaduna State Police Public Relations Officer Mansir Hassan, who confirmed the killing.
But Hon. Hussaini Muhammad Jallo, a representative from the Igabi Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, who won the re-run ballot, claimed he dedicated his victory to God and the deceased Mansur Shafiu.
In a statement, Hon Jallo issued in Kaduna on Sunday, he stated that they would surely not allow such act of barbarism to go unpunished.
He said: “We will engage the Nigeria police force to launch an immediate full scale investigation with a view to fishing out the perpetrator of this killing and the deliberate attacks meted on voters during our rerun election that led to snatching of ballot boxes in Rigachikun, Unguwar Yelwa Birinin Yero, Kwarau, Mando and Joga by hired thugs to face justice.
“We have overcome numerous obstacles and challenges that stood in our way, we have faced adversity head on refusing to be defeated or deterred. We have out in countless hours of effort pushing our selves beyond limit and never settling for midiocracy.
“My victory is not just a personal accomplishment , but a victory for all those who have supported me along the way. My accomplishments are culmination of of the unwavering belief and encouragement by all compatriots who stood firm against tyranny and injustice.
“I acknowledge the challenges that lie ahead for victory is not a one time achievement but a continous journey. I will face these future obstacles with the same determination and tenacity that brought me here.
“Let me pay special tribute to Mansur Shafiu who was shot dead while trying to exercise his franchise, we will surely not allow this act of barbarism to go unpunished. We will engage the Nigeria police force to launch an immediate full scale investigation with a view to fishing out the perpetrator of this killing and the deliberate attacks meted on voters during our rerun election that led to snatching of ballot boxes in Rigachikun, Unguwar Yelwa Birinin Yero, Kwarau, Mando and Joga by hired thugs to face justice.”
“Today I raise my voice to declare victory. I embrace the lessons learned , the experiences gained, and the growth achieved, I am a victor , I will continue to strive for excellence in all that I do,” he added