By Ibrahim Hassan-Wuyo

Crisis was averted in Rigachikun community on the outskirts of Kaduna on Sunday, as hundreds of protesters were dispersed by soldiers and other security operatives when they attempted to query a former Speaker of the Kaduna State House of Assembly over the alleged killing of a University student during the Saturday re-run election.

A local told journalists that the student, Mansur Shafiu was shot dead for being supportive to the candidate of a particular political party, which attracted the wrath of opponents.

Malam Bally, a Kaduna resident stated that the “soldiers drafted to Rigachikun, have dispersed protesting youth that blocked Rigachikun/Zaria expressway. However, Rigachikun town and environ is soaked with tension, as the house of former Speaker, Yusuf Zailani (suspected to have a hand in the shooting of the young lad), has been cordoned off by security operatives, as angry youth attempted to burn it down after the victim was buried this morning(Sunday)”.

Meanwhile, Suleiman Rigachikun, aide to the member representing the area in the House of Representatives, Hussaini Jallo, told journalists that ” we buried the dead, after which angry youths staged a peaceful protest blocking the highway linking north to southern part of the country. Protesters were later dispersed by the security operatives.”

Rep Jallo charges Police to fish out killer of the Supporter.

Meanwhile, Hussaini Muhammad Jallo, member of the House of Representatives, Igabi Federal Constituency of Kaduna State has dedicated his victory at Saturday’s re-run election to Almighty Allah and Mansur Shafiu who was allegedly shot dead while trying to exercise his franchise at the Rigachikun Area on the outskirts of Kaduna.

In a statement, Hon Jallo issued in Kaduna on Sunday, he stated that they would surely not allow such act of barbarism to go unpunished.

“We will engage the Nigeria police force to launch an immediate full scale investigation with a view to fishing out the perpetrator of this killing and the deliberate attacks meted on voters during our rerun election that led to snatching of ballot boxes in Rigachikun, Unguwar Yelwa Birinin Yero, Kwarau, Mando and Joga by hired thugs to face justice,” he added.

According to him, “we have overcome numerous obstacles and challenges that stood in our way, we have faced adversity head-on refusing to be defeated or deterred. We have put in countless hours of effort, pushing our selves beyond limit and never settling for mediocrity.”

“My victory is not just a personal accomplishment , but a victory for all those who have supported me along the way. My accomplishments are culmination of the unwavering belief and encouragement by all compatriots who stood firm against tyranny and injustice.”

“I acknowledge the challenges that lie ahead for victory is not a one-time achievement but a continous journey. I will face these future obstacles with the same determination and tenacity that brought me here.”

“Let me pay special tribute to Mansur Shafiu who was shot dead while trying to exercise his franchise, we will surely not allow this act of barbarism to go unpunished. We will engage the Nigeria police force to launch an immediate full scale investigation with a view to fishing out the perpetrator of this killing and the deliberate attacks meted on voters during our rerun election that led to snatching of ballot boxes in Rigachikun, Unguwar Yelwa Birinin Yero, Kwarau, Mando and Joga by hired thugs to face justice.”

“Today I raise my voice to declare victory. I embrace the lessons learned, the experiences gained, and the growth achieved, I am a victor, I will continue to strive for excellence in all that I do,” he added.

In Igabi, the exercise which started peacefully was later marred by violence as gunmen suspected to be political thugs shot a 40-year-old man to death. Eyewitnesses said the victim, Mansur Shafiu, was in front of his shop, close to the polling unit, when he was hit by a stray bullet.

The Kaduna State Police Command, has through the Spokesperson, Mansir Hassan said some political thugs who snatched election materials at the Tsohon Garin Rigachikun polling unit were responsible for the shooting of the victim who was about 40 years old.

“The thugs shot the victim in the leg, after which he was rushed to the hospital where he died from gunshot injuries,” the police added.

The former Speaker could not be reached for comments as at press time.