ABUJA — A violent assault shook the Federal Capital Territory on Saturday afternoon after a heavily armed mob of political thugs stormed a private venue, brutally attacking former Minister of Special Duties, Kabiru Tanimu Turaki (SAN), and several chieftains of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The incident, which took place during a strategic stakeholders’ meeting in Abuja, has sent shockwaves through the political landscape. Coming at a time when political alignments are fracturing nationwide, the ambush underscores a dangerous resurgence of electoral violence ahead of the next political cycle.
The Ambush and Violence
According to eyewitness reports and video footage captured at the scene, the PDP chieftains were gathered at a secured location to deliberate on the future of the party’s remaining factions when the thugs bypassed security.
Armed with clubs, machetes, and sticks, the attackers broke into the hall, smashing windows, overturning furniture, and directly targeting the politicians.
Security guards at the venue were completely overwhelmed by the sheer number of the assailants. Kabiru Turaki and other senior leaders had to be hurriedly escorted out through a rear exit by their personal aides as the thugs vandalized vehicles parked outside the complex.
Caught on Camera
Footage of the encounter quickly flooded social media platforms on Saturday evening, showing chaotic scenes of fleeing delegates, bloodied victims, and shattered glass doors.
Several attendees sustained various degrees of injuries during the stampede and are currently receiving treatment at a private hospital within the capital city.
The Collapse of the PDP Structure
The violent outbreak highlights the extreme desperation and internal friction tearing apart what remains of the PDP. Following the massive defection of its top northern and southern blocks to the ADC and NDC platforms, the remaining party apparatus has been trapped in a bitter, localized turf war over leadership control.
Verdict: Lawlessness Tearing Through the Capital
As of Saturday night, the FCT Police Command had deployed operatives to the scene to restore order, though no arrests have been officially confirmed.
The open attack on a former minister and senior lawyers in the nation’s capital serves as a chilling reminder of the country’s sliding security situation. It further exposes the failure of the current administration to guarantee basic public safety, even within highly secured political zones in Abuja.
