A driver attached to the Chief of Staff of Gombe State Governor has been filmed physically assaulting a serving ward councillor, sparking widespread condemnation and calls for justice.
Viral Video Captures Brutal Assault
The disturbing incident, which occurred in an alley within Gombe metropolis, was captured in a video that has since gone viral online. The footage shows the driver, identified as Adamu Danko, repeatedly slapping Councillor Dan Buba.
In the video, the councillor is seen seated on his motorcycle, visibly pleading and apologising in an attempt to de-escalate the confrontation. Despite his pleas, Danko continued the physical and verbal abuse.
Alleged Provocation and Abuse of Power
Voices believed to be from individuals accompanying Danko are heard in the footage challenging the councillor. One voice is heard saying, “So you said you would slap the Chief of Staff?”
Sources familiar with the event disclosed that the assault allegedly followed the circulation of an audio recording. In that recording, Councillor Dan Buba was accused of claiming he received N30 million to slap the Chief of Staff, Abubakar Inuwa Kari.
Danko, during the assault, was heard verbally abusing the councillor, questioning his audacity and asserting the authority of his principal, the Chief of Staff to Governor Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya.
Public Outrage and Legal Condemnation
The incident, which took place on December 19, 2025, has generated strong reactions from the public, civil society groups, and political observers. Many have condemned the act as a display of impunity and a violation of the rule of law.
In a strong statement, human rights lawyer and activist, Ahmed Ahmed Yerima, Esq., condemned the assault. He described the act as unlawful, barbaric, and a blatant violation of the rule of law.
"This act is unacceptable, condemnable, and completely contrary to the principles of the rule of law. We will not treat this incident with levity, nor allow such acts of impunity to go unchecked in our community,” Yerima stated.
The activist confirmed that Councillor Dan Buba was brutally assaulted and verbally abused by a driver reportedly attached to the Chief of Staff, Government House, Gombe State. There is now mounting pressure on the state authorities to launch a thorough investigation into the matter.
