The Katsina State Government has denied reports linking the violence reported in Yankara, Faskari Local Government Area, to Governor Dikko Radda’s Tinubu-Dikko 2027 campaign, describing the claims as false and misleading.
In a statement, the government said preliminary investigations indicated that the incident arose from a disagreement between participants in a Maulud procession and security personnel over the approved routes for the procession. The disagreement reportedly caused confusion along a public road in Yankara.
The government stressed that the incident had no connection with the governor’s campaign activities or the Tinubu-Dikko campaign rally held in Faskari.
According to the statement, Governor Radda passed through Yankara peacefully on his way to Faskari, where he paid a courtesy visit to the District Head’s Palace and was received by the district head and other traditional rulers.
He later visited the Faskari Local Government Secretariat, where he inspected ongoing renovation work at the secretariat and council chambers before proceeding to the campaign rally, where he interacted with residents and supporters.
The state government has directed relevant security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident, determine what transpired, and identify anyone found responsible.
The statement, signed by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Ibrahim Mohammed, also urged residents to remain calm, maintain peace, and refrain from circulating unverified information that could heighten tension in the state.
Violence was reported in Yankara on Saturday after suspected hoodlums allegedly attacked supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC), leaving several people injured and setting a campaign vehicle ablaze.
Eyewitnesses claimed that the attackers ambushed APC supporters travelling to Governor Radda’s campaign rally in Faskari, disrupting traffic on the major road and throwing the area into panic.
Some angry youths were also reportedly said to have blocked the route expected to be used by the campaign convoy.
