Senator Philip Aruwa Gyunka, a leading member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Nasarawa State, narrowly escaped an attack by suspected political thugs while en route to participate in the Nasarawa North Senatorial District bye-election held on Saturday, June 20. The incident, which occurred as Gyunka was travelling to his hometown of Gbuje, has raised concerns over security and political tensions in the region. According to Ango Ngharni, a media aide to Governor Abdullahi Sule, the assailants intercepted Gyunka’s convoy armed with machetes and axes, attempting to carry out a violent assault. Despite the threat, the former senator emerged unharmed, though his vehicle sustained damage during the confrontation.
The attack took place amid heightened political activity ahead of the bye-election, which was held to fill the vacant Senate seat in Nasarawa North. Gyunka, a former senator and influential APC figure, was expected to play a key role in mobilizing support for the party’s candidate. His presence in Gbuje was seen as a strategic move to consolidate party backing in a crucial electoral zone. The timing of the attack has fueled speculation about underlying political rivalries and possible attempts to disrupt the electoral process.
Ngharni, speaking on behalf of the governor, strongly condemned the incident and called for a swift and comprehensive investigation. He emphasized that such acts of violence undermine democratic processes and threaten public safety. “This is an unacceptable act of intimidation that must be thoroughly investigated,” Ngharni stated. He urged security agencies to take immediate action to identify and apprehend the perpetrators, stressing that no one should be above the law.
As of the time of this report, no official statement had been released by any security agency regarding the alleged attack. The identities of the attackers and their motives remain unknown, leaving room for speculation. The incident has drawn attention to the broader issue of political violence in Nigeria, particularly during election periods. While some view it as an isolated act, others fear it could be part of a larger pattern of intimidation targeting political figures.
The Nasarawa North bye-election concluded without major disruptions, but the attack on Gyunka has cast a shadow over the electoral process. It underscores the need for enhanced security measures during political campaigns and elections. As investigations continue, stakeholders are calling for transparency and accountability to restore public confidence in the integrity of Nigeria’s democratic institutions. The outcome of this probe may have wider implications for political stability in Nasarawa State and beyond.
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