By Joshua Tosin Ogunsakin 
A convoy of the African Democratic Congress leader in Kebbi State and former Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, came under attack by suspected political thugs in Birnin Kebbi on Monday.
The incident reportedly occurred shortly after Malami’s return to the state, while he was on a condolence visit to several families in the metropolis.
Witnesses said about 10 vehicles in the convoy were vandalised, while several of his supporters sustained varying degrees of injuries.
Malami, who served as Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice between 2015 and 2023, described the attack as politically motivated.
“I was in Birnin Kebbi solely to pay condolences to families who lost their loved ones while I was away, not for political campaigns.
“It’s painful and unfortunate. Some thugs emerged from the APC state headquarters, armed with weapons and stones, and attacked our convoy, destroying vehicles and injuring our supporters.
“When it comes to politics in Kebbi State, there is no retreat, no surrender,” Malami said in an interview with journalists.
However, the All Progressives Congress in Kebbi State has denied any involvement in the incident.
The party’s Publicity Secretary, Isa Assalafy, in a statement, condemned the attack and described Kebbi as a peaceful state.
“No government that enjoys the massive support of the people and is confident of victory in 2027 would want the peace of the state disrupted,” Assalafy said.
He further alleged that armed security personnel attached to Malami’s convoy opened fire during the confrontation, which he claimed escalated the situation.
Police authorities in Kebbi had yet to release an official statement on the attack as of the time of filing this report.