Angry youths attack Governor’s convoy, destroy vehicles, injure aide
Angry youths on Sunday attacked and destroyed several vehicles in the convoy of Governor Umar Bago of Niger state following a botched cash distribution programme in Bida.
Eyewitnesses said that the governor had earlier promised residents financial gifts ahead of the forthcoming local government elections and asked them to gather on Friday to receive the funds.
Tempers rose when only a few people reportedly benefited from the money, leaving many others angered and feeling betrayed.
“The governor promised that everyone would receive money, but only a few people got anything. That’s when the youths started shouting and attacking,” a resident said.
The mob reportedly pelted the convoy with stones and sachet water, leaving at least six official vehicles damaged.
The incident occurred near the town hall in Bida.
Abubakar Mustapha, Chairman of the New Niger Development Project and a close ally of the governor, sustained injuries during the attack and was rushed to the Federal Medical Centre, Bida, for treatment.
Sources also confirmed that visibly angry youths later destroyed campaign billboards of the ruling All Progressives Congress and the governor in the town.
“The people were very angry because they waited for him to fulfil his promise. When he didn’t, they lost control,” another witness said.
The state government and the police are yet to react to the incident.
