The Social Democratic Party (SDP) Kogi East Senatorial candidate and owner of Crush Cafe Abuja, Idris Hussein HK, has strongly condemned the reported attack on Hon. Muhamed Tijani Iye, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Ward Chairman of Ugwolawo Ward 1 in Ofu Local Government Area of Kogi State.
In a statement issued on the incident, Idris HK described the reported assault as deeply disturbing and unacceptable, stressing that political disagreements should never degenerate into violence, intimidation or destruction of property.
According to him, reports that the ward chairman was allegedly beaten and assaulted at his residence in Ugwolawo, while the property was reportedly vandalised and items carted away, are deeply troubling and require urgent attention from the relevant authorities.
“I strongly condemn every form of political violence, intimidation, thuggery and destruction, regardless of who is involved or which political party is concerned,” he stated.
Idris HK called on security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident, identify those responsible and ensure that anyone found culpable faces the full weight of the law.
He equally appealed to traditional rulers, political leaders, community leaders and other well-meaning sons and daughters of Ugwolawo and Ofu to intervene and prevent the situation from escalating.
The SDP Kogi East Senatorial candidate urged the people to approach political activities with wisdom, maturity and restraint, emphasizing that political differences should not be allowed to destroy relationships within communities.
“We are brothers and sisters before politics. We will remain neighbours, friends and family even after elections are over,” he said.
Idris HK further warned against the resurgence of political violence in Igala Land, stressing that the region must not return to an era where political disagreements were settled through violence, intimidation and political assassinations.
He noted that elections will come and go and political offices are temporary, while the lives, relationships and communities affected by political actions remain.
“Let us disagree politically without becoming enemies. Let us compete without violence. Let us campaign with issues, ideas and character rather than threats and intimidation,” he appealed.
He also called on political actors across Igala Land to embrace peace, restraint and responsible leadership, stressing the importance of political competition that promotes unity rather than division.
Idris HK concluded by calling for calm and praying for continued peace in Ugwolawo, Ofu Local Government Area and across Igala Land.
