2 killed as protest turns violent at Mai Palace campaign launch in Zamfara

Tragedy struck in Mada town, Gusau local government area of Zamfara state Tuesday when a protest by angry youth during the campaign launch of Hon. Kabiru Amadu, popularly known as Mai Palace turned violent, leaving two people dead.

Hon. Amadu, the member representing Gusau/ Tsafe Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, had gathered supporters to flag off his re-election campaign under the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Mada town of Gusau local government area.

Eyewitnesses said shortly after the rally ended, some youths expressed frustration over the deteriorating security situation in the area.

They accused politicians of focusing on campaigns while communities continue to suffer from banditry and attacks.

The situation quickly escalated as the youths confronted members of the lawmaker’s entourage, pelting vehicles with stones.

A resident of Mada who spoke to our reporter on condition of anonymity said two of their youths during the incident died.

“The people are tired. What we need now is security, not politics.” he said.

He added that the incident threw residents of Mada and surrounding communities into grief and panic.

He said security operatives were later deployed to the area to restore calm.

Reacting to the incident, the spokesperson of Hon. Amadu Mai Palace, Mustapha Gusau, denied that the campaign team was attacked.

Speaking to journalists via phone interview, he insisted that the event ended without any disturbance.

“The event was concluded peacefully without any rancor,” he said.

The clash in Mada highlights growing public frustration in North-west over persistent insecurity.