There was panic and confusion in Kasuwan Ali community in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State on Sunday after a resident identified as Sani Abdullahi was reportedly shot dead during a disturbance at the venue of the All Progressives Congress, APC, House of Representatives primary election.
The incident occurred during protests by party members and youths over delays in the conduct of the primary election, which had earlier been scheduled to hold on Saturday.
Residents and party supporters at the venue were thrown into fear as gunshots rang out during efforts by security personnel to disperse protesting youths.
According to eyewitness accounts, the victim was allegedly hit by a stray bullet fired by soldiers who were deployed to maintain order at the venue.
A source familiar with the incident, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said tension began when some APC members became angry over the delay in the arrival of electoral officials responsible for conducting the primary election.
“The exercise was supposed to hold on Saturday morning, but it didn’t take place because of the absence of returning officers,” the source said.
“So the youths started protesting, alleging that the delay was deliberate.”
According to the source, government officials who arrived to monitor the exercise later decided to leave the venue after it became clear that the primary election could not begin as scheduled.
However, the decision reportedly angered some youths who blocked the road to prevent the officials from leaving.
“The youths insisted they would not leave until electoral officers arrived to conduct the primary,” the source added.
The situation later escalated when security operatives moved in to restore order and disperse the crowd.
“This drew the attention of security personnel, who moved in to disperse them. As soon as the security personnel arrived, the youths started throwing stones at them,” the source said.
“The soldiers then started shooting, and a stray bullet hit the victim.”
The death of the resident immediately created panic in the community, with many residents fleeing the area for safety.
As of the time of filing this report, security agencies had not officially confirmed the incident or released details about possible arrests or investigations.
Attempts to reach police authorities and military officials for comments were unsuccessful on Sunday evening.
The APC primary election in the constituency was part of preparations ahead of the 2027 general elections, as political parties across the country begin internal processes to select candidates for various positions.
Political primaries in Nigeria are often characterised by disputes over delegates, logistics, allegations of manipulation and tensions among supporters of rival aspirants.
In some cases, disagreements during party primaries have led to violence, destruction of property and loss of lives.
The latest incident in Plateau State has again raised concerns about insecurity and political violence during electoral activities.
Plateau State has experienced repeated security challenges over the years, including communal clashes, attacks by armed groups and political tensions in several local government areas.
Mangu Local Government Area in particular has witnessed a number of violent incidents linked to ethnic, religious and political disputes.
Residents of the area have repeatedly called on the government and security agencies to strengthen peace-building efforts and improve security.
The incident has sparked concern among community leaders and residents who fear it could increase tension in the area if not properly addressed.
Some residents have called for an independent investigation into the shooting and demanded that those responsible be held accountable.
Others have urged political parties and security agencies to ensure that future political activities are conducted peacefully without the use of excessive force.
The death of Sani Abdullahi has also renewed debate over the role of security personnel during political gatherings and protests.
Human rights groups have in the past accused security agencies of using force against civilians during political disturbances and public protests.
At the same time, security officials often argue that they are forced to act quickly when protests become violent or when lives and property are under threat.
The APC has yet to release an official statement on the incident at the time of filing this report.
Meanwhile, tension reportedly remained high in parts of Kasuwan Ali community on Sunday night as residents mourned the victim and awaited further developments.
The incident comes at a time when political activities are gradually increasing across the country ahead of the next general elections, with concerns already emerging over the possibility of violence during party primaries and campaigns.
Many Nigerians have continued to call for peaceful political participation and greater accountability from political leaders, party officials and security agencies to prevent further loss of lives during the electoral process.