Amnesty International Nigeria has condemned the attack on African Democratic Congress (ADC) campaign convoys in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State, accusing armed gangs of attacking vehicles, assaulting supporters and destroying journalists’ equipment.
The rights group said footage it analysed showed armed men wielding cutlasses, blocking roads and attacking vehicles in the campaign convoys on Thursday.
It said the attackers also pelted vehicles with stones and targeted journalists covering the campaign, destroying cameras and other equipment belonging to media crews.
Amnesty described the incident as a threat to the right of opposition parties to hold political activities freely, saying it was part of a growing pattern of violence against opposition groups.
The organisation linked the Kebbi attack to similar bloody attacks on ADC campaign activities in neighbouring Sokoto State in recent days.
“No one should lose their life or face violence simply for taking part in peaceful political activities,” Amnesty said.
It accused Nigerian authorities of failing to ensure accountability for similar attacks reported in Niger, Kaduna, Edo and Enugu states.
According to Amnesty, its investigations into the incidents found that security agencies failed to prevent or stop the attacks and protect people exercising their rights to freedom of association and peaceful assembly.
The organisation warned that continued attacks on opposition parties and their supporters were undermining democratic participation and creating a climate of fear and violence across the country.
