By Fatima Saka
The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), Gombe State Chapter, has called for the arrest and prosecution of those responsible for the reported attack on the convoy of Professor Isa Ali Pantami, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Gombe State.
MURIC described the incident, which reportedly occurred in the Jekadafari area of Gombe metropolis, as a threat to democratic values and peaceful political participation, urging security agencies to ensure that those behind the attack are brought to justice.
The call was made in a press statement issued on Friday by the Chairman of MURIC, Gombe State Chapter, Dr. Garba Abubakar Bajoga.
According to the statement, the attack allegedly involved the burning of bonfires, barricading of vehicles and destruction of vehicle windshields.
MURIC said the incident was disturbing and required serious attention from stakeholders committed to peace, security and democratic values in the state.
It stressed that the safety and security of citizens must be protected irrespective of their political affiliations, religious beliefs or ideological differences.
The organisation maintained that political disagreements should not degenerate into intimidation, harassment, physical attacks or destruction of property, noting that democracy thrives on peaceful competition and the freedom of citizens to support candidates of their choice without fear.
While acknowledging the Gombe State Police Command’s confirmation of the incident and assurance that investigations were ongoing, MURIC urged the Commissioner of Police, CP Umar Ahmed Chuso, to ensure a comprehensive, impartial and transparent investigation.
It expressed concern that no arrests had reportedly been made as of the time of the police statement, calling on the police to intensify efforts to identify and apprehend the perpetrators.
The group also appealed to members of the public with credible information, video evidence or other useful intelligence to cooperate with security agencies to facilitate the investigation.
Furthermore, MURIC urged political parties, candidates, supporters, youth groups and other stakeholders in Gombe State to exercise restraint and avoid actions capable of undermining the state’s peace and security.
It called on the Gombe State Government and relevant security agencies to strengthen security arrangements around political gatherings to ensure that candidates and their supporters can exercise their democratic rights without intimidation.
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The organisation emphasised that political ambition should not be pursued at the expense of human lives, public safety and peaceful coexistence.
MURIC reaffirmed its commitment to justice, religious tolerance and the protection of citizens’ rights, urging political stakeholders to place the collective interest of the people above partisan considerations.
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