The Zamfara chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has strongly condemned the recent attack on its state secretariat by protesters. The incident occurred on Monday amid ongoing nationwide protests over economic hardship and hunger.
In a statement issued by Yusuf Idris, the APC spokesperson, the party expressed outrage over the assault on its office, which is located on Sokoto Bye-Pass Road in Gusau.
According to the statement, a group of troublemakers, who have been taking advantage of the protests, forcibly broke into the APC secretariat, causing extensive damage.
The APC had previously warned the state government about the potential for violence stemming from the protests. The party had expressed concerns that thugs might use the unrest as an opportunity to target APC properties and leaders. This warning proved prescient as the attack on the secretariat mirrored earlier incidents where similar groups had caused damage. For instance, thugs had previously attacked the residence of Senator Sahabi Ya’u in Kaura Namoda and attempted to set fire to the home of former Governor Bello Matawalle in Gusau.
The statement detailed the extent of the damage caused by the attackers. The protesters not only broke into the main office but also destroyed various facilities, including windows and doors. They stole furniture, equipment, and building materials stored in the office. In addition, the attackers looted a smaller office located at the back of the main building, making off with computers, refrigerators, and other valuable items.
The APC’s statement condemned this violence and called for immediate action from security agencies. The party is urging the authorities to apprehend and prosecute those responsible for this destructive act. They emphasized that such violence and vandalism are unacceptable and must be addressed swiftly to prevent further occurrences.
The APC also used this opportunity to appeal to its members, supporters, and well-wishers to remain peaceful and law-abiding despite the ongoing unrest. The party stressed that maintaining order and following the law is crucial during these turbulent times. They believe that responding to violence with more violence will only escalate the situation and undermine the efforts to address the legitimate grievances of the protesters.
The party’s statement reflects a broader concern about the safety of political figures and institutions amid widespread protests. The APC is calling for a collective effort to restore calm and ensure that protests do not descend into violence and property destruction. They are hopeful that with the support of security agencies and the cooperation of the public, the situation can be managed effectively.
