Kaduna election rerun: One dies trying to prevent ballot snatching

The re-run election held on Saturday in the Rigachikun ward of Igabi local government area of Kaduna state has led to the death of one Mansur Shafiu, who was killed by a thug in his efforts to prevent ballot box snatching.

An eyewitness who spoke in an interview attributed his death to thugs who came to snatch a ballot box, and “in trying to prevent them, one of the thugs brought out a knife and stabbed him.

At the time of filling out the report, there was no official statement from the police or the state government.

It was gathered that, as early as 8 a.m. on Sunday, youths barricaded the Kaduna/Zaria road ostensibly to protest the killing of the young man.

Their action led to a gridlock on the highway, causing motorists to be stranded before the military was invited to clear the road.

A staunch member of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and supporter of the House of Representatives member representing the Igabi federal constituency, Hussaini Jallo, was eventually buried on Sunday morning around 10 am according to Islamic Injunctions in Ragachikun

Reacting to his death, the member of the House of Representatives, Hussaini Jallo, describes the death of his supporter as unfortunate.

In a statement issued to newsmen in Kaduna on Sunday, he said, ‘”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 Nigerian 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 out to voters during our rerun election that led to the snatching of ballot boxes in Rigachikun, Unguwar Yelwa Birinin Yero, Kwarau, Mando, and Joga by hired thugs to face justice.

On his victory, he remarked, “We have overcome numerous obstacles and challenges that stood in our way; we have faced adversity head-on, refusing to be defeated or deterred.

“My victory is not just a personal accomplishment, but a victory for all those who have supported me along the way.

“My accomplishments are the culmination of the unwavering belief and encouragement of all my compatriots who stood firm against tyranny and injustice.

“I acknowledge that the challenges that lie ahead for victory are not a one-time achievement but a continuing journey. I will face these future obstacles with the same determination and tenacity that brought me here.