Global human rights watchdog, Amnesty International, has issued a strong condemnation following a violent attack on a serving councillor in Gombe State. The organisation labelled the assault, carried out by a Senior Special Assistant to the State Governor, as brutal and outrageous.
Details of the Violent Incident
The shocking event took place on Monday, at Science 2 Road in the Federal Low-cost area of Gombe. The victim, Councillor Abdulrahman Abubakar Sherif of Shamaki Ward, was allegedly attacked after criticising the Governor's Chief of Staff, Abubakar Inuwa Kari.
In a statement released on its Facebook page on Friday, Amnesty International described a harrowing scene. The governor's aide, alongside the driver to the Chief of Staff identified as Adamu Danko, was seen in a viral video repeatedly slapping, kicking, and beating the councillor. The victim was heard pleading helplessly for the violence to stop, while threats of more harm were issued.
A Pattern of Impunity and Fear
Amnesty International stated that this attack is not an isolated event. It reflects a growing pattern of impunity and repression by officials under the administration of Governor Inuwa Yahaya. The group accused state government appointees of creating a toxic climate of fear designed to silence dissent.
"Using violence to settle political scores is unacceptable in a free society," the organisation declared. "This culture of impunity, fostered by the Gombe State government, is suffocating the civic space and endangering lives." They emphasised that it is within every citizen's rights to criticise government officials, regardless of their status.
Calls for Justice and Accountability
The rights group has made urgent calls for action. It demanded that Governor Inuwa Yahaya issue a clear directive to his appointees to stop punishing critics and political opponents.
Furthermore, Amnesty International urged Nigerian authorities to immediately investigate the incident and ensure the governor's aide faces a fair trial. They argued that holding the aide accountable is critical to preventing those in power from using unlawful means to intimidate and silence opposition.
The organisation expressed deep concern over an escalating trend across Nigeria, where violent attacks, intimidation, and threatening communications against critics of state governors are reaching alarming levels. They asserted that persons in authority are often behind these gross human rights violations.
