By: Sunday Ameh
Angry youths in Bida, Niger State, on Sunday attacked the convoy of Governor Umar Bago, vandalising several vehicles and injuring a top government official following a botched cash distribution exercise.
Eyewitnesses told SaharaReporters that the governor had earlier promised residents financial gifts ahead of the forthcoming local government election and had asked them to gather on Friday to receive the funds.
However, tempers flared when only a small number of people reportedly benefited from the money, leaving many others angered and feeling betrayed.
“The governor promised that everyone would receive money, but only a few people got anything. That’s when the youths started shouting and attacking,” a resident said.
The mob reportedly pelted the convoy with stones and sachet water, leaving at least six official vehicles damaged. The incident occurred near the town hall in Bida.
Abubakar Mustapha, Chairman of the New Niger Development Project and a close ally of the governor, sustained injuries during the confrontation and was rushed to the Federal Medical Centre, Bida, for treatment.
Sources also confirmed that visibly angry youths later vandalised campaign billboards of the ruling APC and the governor in the town.
“The people were very angry because they waited for him to fulfil his promise. When he didn’t, they lost control,” another witness said.
Sunday’s attack comes just days after a stampede during a similar cash-sharing exercise in Bida reportedly linked to the governor’s political outreach. The incident claimed the life of a young girl and left several people injured.
Authorities have not yet issued a formal response to the latest attack, and further details remain unclear at press time.
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