From Maiharaji Altine
Zamfara state Anti Thuggery Committee has arrested 32 people in Gusau town carrying weapons during a political rally organized by the People’s Democratic party (PDP) last Monday.
Parading the suspects, the chairman of the committee Alhaji Bello Bakyasuwa said, the suspects were arrested carrying weapons in Gusau town the state capital when the PDP campaign rally was going on.
Bakyasuwa said, the suspects had clashed with the Anti Thuggery operatives in order to avoid the arrest but they were overpowered.
“They attacked our men in a bid to escape the arrest but were overpowered by our security personnel and in the event we arrested 32 of them”.
He expressed displeasure over the nonchalant attitude of the PDP leaders to caution their supporters against carrying weapons during rally despite several warnings by his committee.
“I have on several occasions told party leaders to enlighten their supporters on the dangers of carrying weapons during campaign rallies but some of them are yet to comply with the directive”.
He stressed that his committee was none political, adding that, any party supporter caught with arms during or after a political rally will be delt with according to the laws of the state.
Bakyasuwa also announced the ban on using vigilante or Yantauri during political activities, calling on all party members and supporters to comply with the directive.
One of the arrested persons who gave his name as Yusuf Aminu told newsmen in an interview that he was directed by a PDP stalwart, Kabiru Lawal to burn any vehicle belonging to APC that was seen on the road during the PDP rally.
“I was directed by Kabiru Lawal to set ablaze any APC vehicle I came across with”.
Aminu however regretted his action and begged the committee to pardon him, promising that, he would never repeat it.
