The Gombe State Police Command has launched an investigation into an attack on the convoy of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate, Professor Isa Ali Pantami, after suspected political thugs blocked a major road and set tyres ablaze during his arrival in the state capital.
The attack happened on Wednesday along Jekadafari Road, near the family residence of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, as Pantami made his way into Gombe for a political rally organised by the PDP.
Eyewitnesses said the suspected thugs, believed to be supporters of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), blocked the busy road with used tyres before setting them on fire, sending thick black smoke into the air.
The development caused panic among motorists, commuters and residents, while traffic was disrupted for several minutes as drivers sought alternative routes.
Traders and shop owners in the area also reportedly hurriedly closed their businesses over fears that the situation could escalate into a violent confrontation between supporters of the two parties.
Despite the blockade, Pantami’s motorcade, comprising hundreds of vehicles, forced its way through the smoke and proceeded to the rally venue, with supporters chanting solidarity songs.
However, another group of youths, reportedly armed with dangerous weapons, attacked vehicles in the procession, smashing the windscreens of several cars and causing panic among supporters and other road users.
Security personnel deployed to the area eventually intervened and restored order.
Confirming the attack, the Police Public Relations Officer in Gombe State, Buhari Abdullahi, said investigations were ongoing to identify those responsible.
Abdullahi said no arrests had been made, adding that some hoodlums took advantage of the movement of the crowd to attack vehicles despite the deployment of security personnel to maintain order.
The attack has also drawn condemnation from the PDP, which described the incident as barbaric and undemocratic. The party urged security agencies to investigate the violence and bring those responsible to justice.
The rally and reception were organised by the Gombe State chapter of the PDP to celebrate Pantami’s inclusion on the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) list of governorship candidates for the 2027 elections.
Addressing supporters at the Emir’s Palace in Gombe, Pantami cautioned residents against voting for politicians who regard the state’s resources as political spoils to be shared after winning elections.
He said the state’s resources belonged to its people and should be used to improve their living conditions rather than serve the interests of politicians.
“One of the candidates said that if elected, he would share Gombe’s resources as spoils of war. I want the people of Gombe to understand that this state is not a hunting ground, and its resources are not political spoils. Gombe’s resources belong to the people of Gombe; they are not spoils of war. What I intend to do is provide jobs for the people, support youths and farmers, and make fertiliser available to boost agricultural production,” he added.
The former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy said his administration would prioritise local contractors in the award of government projects to stimulate economic activities in the state.
He explained that giving local businesses access to government contracts would enable them to generate income, create employment opportunities and expand their operations.
Former Gombe State Governor and PDP leader, Senator Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo, thanked party supporters for turning out in large numbers to welcome Pantami, describing their presence as a demonstration of confidence in the party’s governorship candidate.
Also speaking, the PDP National Chairman, Abdurrahman Muhammad, urged party leaders, members and supporters to remain united, strengthen the party and work collectively towards securing victory in the 2027 governorship election.
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