Why Police stopped Tinubu’s rally in Niger

The Police on Tuesday stopped a rally for Bola Tinubu, presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), in Niger state following a security report that it could be hijacked by hoodlums.

The rally said to have been organised by Sabi Abdullahi, deputy chief whip of the senate, was aimed at selling the candidacy of Tinubu and Kashim Shettima, to the residents.

Police sealed the New Bussa Township Stadium in Borgu LGA, the venue of the rally, and stationed its officers at the entrance on Tuesday morning.

The officers prevented party supporters from entering the stadium for the event that was billed to start at 11 am.

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In a statement, spokesperson of the police command in Niger, said sealing the venue was a “proactive measure” on intelligence they had received.

Abiodun said the police would not allow needless loss of lives and destruction of property in the state.

“The police had to take over the venue of the planned rally, as a proactive measure due to intelligence received of a likely breach of security at the venue,” he said.

“Hence, we have to do the needful to avert any possible attack or hijack by suspected miscreants to cause mayhem and breach of peace in the community.

“The command will not fold its arm and allow acts of political violence, avoidable loss of life, destruction of properties, and lawlessness.”

In recent times, Niger has seen an increase in the activities of criminals and insurgents.