Protest rocked Rigachikun in Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna state on Sunday, February 4, following violence stemming from Saturday’s re-run elections for Igabi Federal Constituency, leading to the tragic death of Mansur Shafiu, a graduate of Kaduna State University.

The aggrieved youths from Rigachikun town blocked the Kaduna-Zaria expressway around 10:00 am on Sunday, February 4, to express their outrage over the violent loss of one of their community members.

Meanwhile, soldiers have intervened and dispersed the protesters.

Our correspondent gathered that, violence erupted when counting of ballots started on Saturday and that it was observed that PDP was leading in Box 06 of Women Centre ward of Rigachikun.

Eye witness account noted that when counting was on going, a group of thugs in company of some security personnel, stormed the area with a Hillux van with plate number RBC 144 AP, snatched the ballot box and whisked away 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.

Meanwhile, Mansur who was hit by the stray bullet was rushed to the hospital, but later died around 10:00pm on Saturday.

Kaduna State Police Public Relations Officer, Mansir Hassan confirmed the killing, saying that, the Commissioner of Police, Ali Dabigi, has directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police in Charge of Criminal Investigation, to investigate the matter and arrest the culprits.

However, member of the House of Representatives, Igabi Federal Constituency, Hon Hussaini Muhammad Jallo, who emerged victorious at the re-rum poll, said he dedicated his victory to God and the slain 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. (The Nation)

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