PAUL ORUDE, BAUCHI
Suspected thugs on Wednesday cut off the ear of a 19-year old teenager in Bauchi State.
The victim, Muhammad Harisu, of Nassawa area in the Bauchi metropolis, was attacked during a rally organised by the supporters of All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state to celebrate the victory of President Muhammadu Buhari in the last presidential election.
Narrating his ordeal in an interview, Harisu said he was outside his home to witness the rally when suspected thugs went on the rampage stabbing people who came their way without any form of provocation.
He said: “Four of them came to me and macheted me on several parts of my body including my left ear, back, and hand. I tried to run but they had already wounded me. So I rushed to a nearby chemist where the wounds were covered with a bandage to stop them from bleeding.
“I was then taken to Tashan Babiye hospital by police where the wounded ear was further treated. Though I can hear with that ear it was not very clear and I feel severe pain,” he said.
Also speaking, the state Assembly candidate of the People’s Redemption Party (PRP) for Bauchi central constituency, Hon. Abubakar, Sadiq Idris who alleged that the rally was led by his opponent of the ruling APC, said the thugs stormed his residential area along Nassarawa Road where they allegedly attacked innocent people including his pregnant sister and destroyed his posters.
He claimed that the attack was aimed at intimidating people ahead of the forthcoming governorship and state Assembly elections in the state.
“She was attacked inside the house; they did not spare anyone they set their eyes on; they came smashing cars. In fact, they attacked even a mad man who is now receiving treatment in the hospital.
Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the state command, DSP Kamal, Datti Abubakar, confirmed the incident.
Abubakar said at about 4 pm on that day, the command received a report that while some members of the public were celebrating the victory of their political parties in the just concluded presidential and National Assembly elections, some group of youths suspected to be Sara Suka thugs went on the rampage attacking them with machetes and sticks.
“On receipt of the report, the command mobilised its operatives to those areas and curtailed the situation.
“However, during the unfortunate incident three innocent people were confirmed injured; they were then taken to the hospital by the police, treated and discharged,” he explained.
The case is under investigation and so far four suspects have been arrested in connection with the matter.