Police in Borno have said that the alleged attack on Wednesday on the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Atiku Abubakar at a rally in Maiduguri was a false alarm.
Atiku’s campaign spokesperson Dino Melaye had alleged that at least 74 persons were hospitalised while several vehicles were vandalised by hoodlums who attacked Atiku’s motorcade.
But Borno police spokesman ASP Kamilu Shatambaya told reporters that the allegation was baseless.
He said the rally was conducted successfully under tight and adequate security coverage.
“The candidate was accompanied to the Shehu of Borno’s palace after which he was accompanied to the Ramat Square where he addressed his supporters.
“The Commissioner of Police, Mr Abdu Umar, was also at the venue to ensure that everything went on successfully.
“However, one Danladi Abbas, 32, was arrested on Airport Road, Maiduguri, for throwing stones at the motorcade of the presidential candidate.
“Abbas and other hoodlums attempted to disrupt the motorcade, but they were chased and luckily one of them was arrested and taken away for questioning,’’ he said.
Shatambaya noted that nobody had reported any case of attack to any police station within Maiduguri and Jere.
“We also went round hospitals to ascertain the claim that more than 74 persons were hospitalised, but no such patient was found,’’ he added.
