Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris has warned political parties, supporters and other stakeholders against resorting to violence during political activities, following reports of unrest and destruction of property in Jega.
The governor, through his Special Adviser on Communication and Strategy, Abdullahi Idris Zuru, condemned what the state government described as violence and destruction linked to the recent incident, urging security agencies to investigate the circumstances and bring anyone found responsible to justice.
In a statement issued in Birnin Kebbi, the government said political differences must not be allowed to degenerate into attacks on individuals, political organisations or property.
The government also sympathised with residents who suffered losses during the incident and assured them that their concerns would receive the attention of the relevant authorities.
Kebbi Government Demands Investigation Into Jega Incident
The state government described the reported violence in parts of Jega as unacceptable and called for a transparent investigation into what happened.
According to Zuru, the government is particularly concerned about what it described as politically motivated violent behaviour associated with the incident.
He said the administration recognised the security challenges confronting several states across Nigeria but warned that insecurity should not be used as a justification for violence, destruction of property or attacks on individuals and political groups.
“Political differences should be resolved through dialogue, lawful democratic processes, and peaceful engagement rather than confrontation,” the statement said.
The call comes against the backdrop of wider security concerns in Kebbi. Governor Idris had earlier convened an emergency security meeting involving key stakeholders to review security challenges and strengthen coordination among security agencies. Read how Governor Idris convened an emergency security meeting to strengthen Kebbi’s security architecture.
Idris Warns Against Political Thuggery
The governor urged political parties, their supporters, community leaders and other stakeholders to exercise restraint and avoid statements or actions capable of escalating tensions.
The administration said no political party, group or individual should encourage, sponsor or participate in activities capable of undermining public peace and security.
It also warned that political violence and thuggery could undermine development programmes and projects being implemented across the state.
“No individual, group of individuals or organisation can claim monopoly of violence under any guise,” the government stated.
The warning comes as political activities intensify in Kebbi ahead of the 2027 elections. The Bureau Journal recently reported that APC stakeholders in the state endorsed Governor Idris for another term, while opposition political activity has also increased. Kebbi APC stakeholders endorse Governor Idris for another term.
Government Appeals for Peaceful Campaigns
The Kebbi Government appealed to political parties and their supporters to conduct their activities peacefully and within the framework of the law.
Religious and community leaders were also urged to intensify efforts to promote peaceful coexistence among the state’s multi-ethnic and religious communities.
Zuru said citizens should reject violence and inflammatory rhetoric while working together to preserve peace, security and democratic participation across Kebbi.
The appeal reflects growing attention to political conduct as parties and aspirants prepare for the 2027 elections. In another recent development, a Kebbi local government chairman denied allegations contained in a viral video that he had threatened opposition voters, saying the footage had been doctored. Gwandu chairman denies viral video alleging threat to opposition voters.
Security Agencies Asked to Protect Lives and Property
The state government commended security agencies, traditional institutions and community leaders for their efforts to restore calm and protect lives and property following the Jega incident.
It nevertheless urged the relevant authorities to conduct a thorough and transparent investigation to establish what happened and identify anyone found culpable.
The government said accountability should apply regardless of political affiliation or status.
The position is consistent with the administration’s recent emphasis on security coordination. In August, the governor convened another emergency meeting following security breaches and attacks in parts of the state, with officials reviewing strategies for improving the protection of residents. Kebbi Governor summons emergency security meeting over rising security threats.
Jega Residents Who Suffered Losses Sympathised With
Beyond the political warning, the government expressed sympathy to residents whose homes, businesses or other properties were reportedly affected during the unrest.
It assured those who suffered losses that their concerns would continue to receive the attention of the relevant authorities.
The government reiterated that protecting lives and property remains a collective responsibility involving government institutions, security agencies, traditional authorities, community leaders and residents.
The administration also said development efforts across Kebbi should not be jeopardised by politically motivated violence.
Kebbi has continued to face security pressures in different parts of the state. The Bureau Journal recently reported the killing of the Lafagu village head, Saidu Mujeli, in attacks around Kaoje in Bagudo Local Government Area, with Governor Idris directing stronger security measures and efforts to identify those responsible. Kebbi Governor condemns killing of Lafagu village head, pledges stronger security.
Government Links Peace to Development
The Idris administration said it would continue implementing socio-economic development programmes and projects across Kebbi while working with security agencies and communities to protect the stability required for sustainable development.
The government argued that political violence could undermine projects and programmes intended to improve living conditions across the state.
Security and development have increasingly featured in discussions about governance in Kebbi. The Bureau Journal recently examined the relationship between security and development as the state marked 35 years of its creation, noting the impact that insecurity can have on communities, livelihoods and economic activity. Kebbi at 35: How security and development remain central to the state’s future.
Call for Restraint as Political Activities Intensify
The state government again urged political parties, supporters, community leaders and other stakeholders to refrain from inflammatory statements and rhetoric capable of provoking confrontation.
It appealed to residents to settle political disagreements through dialogue and lawful democratic processes rather than violence.
For the administration, maintaining peace remains essential not only to protecting residents but also to sustaining development programmes across the state as political activity increases ahead of the 2027 elections.
The government said it would continue working with security agencies and communities to safeguard peace and security in Kebbi.
The Bureau Journal will continue to monitor developments surrounding the Jega incident and any findings from the investigation called for by the state government.
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