One killed at reps APC primary election in Plateau

From Jude Owuamanam, Jos

Last Saturday’s primary election for the House of Representatives in Plateau recorded its first casualty following the killing of a resident of Kasuwan Ali community in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State, Sani Abdullahi.

Abdullahi was reportedly shot dead at the venue of the primary in Mangu by security personnel following a disagreement over the commencement of the exercise.

An eye witness, Ibrahim Sale, who confirmed the incident, said the trouble started when some APC members protested the delay in the commencement of the primary scheduled for Saturday.

He said that exercise, which was supposed to hold on Saturday morning, did not take place due to the absence of returning officers.

“So the youths started protesting, alleging that the delay was deliberate. As this was going on, government officials who came to witness the exercise decided to leave because of the absence of the electoral officers.

“However, some youths blocked the road to prevent the officials from leaving the venue insisting they they would not leave until electoral officers arrived and conducted the primary.

“This drew the attention of security personnel, who moved in to disperse them and the youths started throwing stones at them. The security personnel then started shooting, and a stray bullet hit the victim, killing him, instantly.”

The incident sparked confusion at the venue, with residents condemning the killing and calling on relevant authorities to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident

They also security agencies to ensure justice for the victim.