The African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate in Sokoto State, Manir Muhammad Dan’iya, has alleged that gunmen opened fire on his convoy, damaged his vehicle and detained two Department of State Services (DSS) officers attached to his security team.
Dan’iya said the incident occurred around 9pm on Friday near the Sokoto Airport after he escorted former Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal to the airport for his return to Abuja.
In a statement issued by his media aide, Aminu Abdullahi, the candidate accused personnel of the Sokoto Marshal and the Sokoto State Community Guard Corps of carrying out the attack.
He alleged that the security operatives blocked his convoy and refused to allow it to pass, claiming they were acting on orders from above to prevent ADC members from entering the state.
According to Dan’iya, efforts by his security team to resolve the confrontation failed, leading to gunshots being fired, damage to his vehicle and the detention of the two DSS officers.
He said he escaped the incident but described it as a direct threat to his safety and an escalation of political hostility in the state.
The ADC candidate further alleged that earlier on Friday, his team had observed increased deployment of the two security outfits at entry points into Sokoto, where vehicles bearing ADC inscriptions were reportedly stopped from entering.
He said the convoy initially believed the deployments were routine security measures but now suspected they were part of an attempt to restrict the party’s activities.
“If security personnel can block a gubernatorial candidate, fire gunshots during a confrontation, damage his vehicle and detain officers assigned to his protection, then the people of Sokoto deserve urgent answers,” Dan’iya said.
He added that he had reported the incident to the Sokoto State Commissioner of Police.
Dan’iya called on the Inspector-General of Police, the Director-General of the DSS and other relevant authorities to investigate the incident, establish who issued the alleged orders and ensure the release of the two detained officers.
He also demanded that available footage, operational records, witness accounts and firearm reports be preserved and examined as part of the investigation.
The candidate urged the Sokoto State Government to clarify the alleged instructions and ensure that state security outfits operate within the law and remain politically neutral.
He also called on the Federal Government, National Assembly and human rights organisations to intervene, warning that any attempt to restrict lawful political activities would undermine democratic freedoms.
Dan’iya urged his supporters to remain calm and avoid retaliation, insisting that intimidation would not stop him or the ADC from carrying out lawful political activities.
Efforts to obtain the Sokoto State Police Command’s reaction were unsuccessful, as its spokesperson, DSP Ahmed Rufai, did not answer calls to his phone.
