The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kebbi State has called for a comprehensive and impartial investigation into the recent violence in Jega Local Government Area, which led to the destruction of properties belonging to residents.
The party also appealed to residents, political leaders, supporters and other stakeholders to maintain calm and avoid actions capable of further threatening peace and public safety in the area.
The call followed violent incidents in parts of Jega, where dangerous weapons were reportedly used, resulting in significant damage to properties owned by innocent citizens.
In a statement issued in Birnin Kebbi on Sunday, the APC State Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Isah Assalafi, expressed sympathy with residents and other victims affected by the violence. He called on the relevant authorities to provide necessary assistance and protection to those who suffered losses.
Assalafi said the people of Jega and Kebbi State must protect the prevailing peace, stressing that democratic processes must take precedence over violence and that the rule of law must prevail over impunity.
He urged political parties, community leaders and other stakeholders to collaborate in rebuilding confidence, strengthening relationships among residents and ensuring that similar incidents do not occur again.
According to him, the APC would continue to back all lawful measures directed at protecting lives, securing communities and safeguarding democratic participation throughout the state.
He stressed that criminal acts should be treated as such, irrespective of the identity or affiliation of those involved.
The party commended security agencies, traditional institutions, community leaders and residents for their efforts in restoring calm, while urging them to remain vigilant and sustain their cooperation in protecting the community.
The APC spokesman also warned political actors, their supporters and other stakeholders against inflammatory rhetoric, deliberate misinformation and conduct capable of escalating tensions in Jega and other parts of Kebbi State.
He appealed to residents of Jega and the state generally not to allow political disagreements to create divisions within their communities. He also urged them to reject recruitment into destructive activities and promptly report suspicious movements or activities to the appropriate authorities.
Calling on political parties and their leaders to take responsibility for the conduct of their supporters, Assalafi said political actors must reject political thuggery and commit publicly to peaceful democratic participation.
“To all political actors, our message is equally clear: contest elections with ideas, persuade the people with your record and programmes, and accept the rules of democratic engagement,” he stated.
Addressing the political dimension of the crisis, Assalafi acknowledged that competition among political actors is a normal part of democracy but said it should not be allowed to result in confrontation, violence or destruction.
“Political differences are not a licence for criminality. Democracy is not a platform for violence. No political objective can justify the destruction of lives, property or public peace,” he said.
He maintained that dialogue and lawful channels should be used to settle political disagreements and resolve grievances.
The APC subsequently called on security agencies to conduct a full investigation into the violence recorded in parts of Jega Local Government Area.
“We call on the security agencies to investigate the incident comprehensively, establish the facts surrounding what happened, identify those responsible and ensure that anyone found culpable faces the full consequences of the law,” he said.
Assalafi further stressed that the investigation should be conducted transparently, with accountability determined by evidence rather than speculation, political affiliation or public pressure.
