Tension erupted at the venue of the All Progressives Congress House of Representatives primary election in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State after a man was reportedly shot dead during a confrontation involving security personnel and protesting party members.
The victim, identified as Sani Abdullahi, a resident of Kasuwan Ali Community, was allegedly hit by a stray bullet after soldiers intervened to disperse angry youths protesting delays in the commencement of the primary election.
Eyewitnesses said the exercise, initially scheduled to hold on Saturday morning, was delayed following the absence of electoral and returning officers at the venue, triggering frustration among party supporters.
A resident, Ibrahim Sale, who witnessed the incident, said the situation deteriorated after some APC members accused party officials of deliberately stalling the process.
“The exercise was supposed to hold on Saturday morning, but it didn’t take place because of the absence of returning officers. So the youths started protesting, alleging that the delay was deliberate,” Sale said.
He explained that government officials who had arrived to observe the exercise attempted to leave the venue when it became clear that the primary would not begin as scheduled.
“As this was going on, government officials who came to witness the exercise decided to leave because of the absence of the electoral officers. But some youths blocked the road to prevent the officials from leaving the venue,” he added.
According to him, the protesters insisted they would not vacate the area until electoral officers arrived to conduct the exercise.
“The youths insisted they would not leave until electoral officers arrived to conduct the primary. This drew the attention of security personnel, who moved in to disperse them,” Sale stated.
He said the confrontation escalated after some youths allegedly began throwing stones at the security operatives.
“As soon as the security personnel arrived, the youths started throwing stones at them. The soldiers then started shooting, and a stray bullet hit the victim,” he said.
The killing reportedly sparked panic and confusion at the venue, with residents and party members condemning the incident and demanding a full investigation.
Witnesses said angry residents have called on relevant authorities to identify those responsible and ensure justice for the deceased.
