Despite bonfires, roadblocks Pantami enters Gombe amid rising uncertainty
By Mohammed Ismail
Former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Ali Pantami, on Tuesday forced his way into Gombe metropolis despite bonfires, roadblocks and alleged attacks by suspected political opponents seeking to disrupt his entry into the state capital.
The incident occurred along Jekadafari Road, close to the family residence of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, as Pantami arrived in Gombe for a mega rally organised in his honour by the state chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
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The rally followed the inclusion of Pantami’s name on the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) list of governorship candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Eyewitnesses said some youths had blocked the busy road with tyres before setting them ablaze, sending thick smoke into the air and causing panic among residents, motorists and traders.
The development disrupted traffic for several minutes, forcing motorists to divert to alternative routes, while some shop owners reportedly hurriedly closed their businesses over fears of possible violence.
Despite the obstruction, Pantami’s motorcade, which reportedly comprised hundreds of vehicles, proceeded through the affected route towards the rally venue.
His supporters were seen chanting solidarity songs as the convoy navigated the smoke-filled road.
However, the situation reportedly deteriorated when another group of youths, allegedly armed with dangerous weapons, attacked vehicles in the motorcade, smashing the windscreens of several cars.
The attacks heightened tension among supporters and other road users, prompting the intervention of security operatives deployed to the area.
The security personnel subsequently restored order, extinguished the burning tyres and cleared the road to allow normal vehicular movement.
A resident, Sani Balarabe, described the incident as frightening, saying residents were caught unawares by the sudden disruption.
He said many people feared the situation could degenerate into a confrontation between rival political groups.
As of the time of filing the report, neither Pantami nor his aides had issued an official statement on the incident.
The Gombe State Police Command had also not released an official statement, while no casualty had been confirmed.
Residents have appealed to politicians and their supporters to exercise restraint and avoid actions capable of undermining public peace.
They warned that political disagreements should not be allowed to threaten the peaceful coexistence for which Gombe State is known.
