Taraba Lawmaker Escapes Mob Attack During Condolence Visit

Angry youths in Wuro Jam community of Gassol local government area of Taraba State on Wednesday attacked the convoy of a member of the Taraba State House of Assembly, Hon. Muwalid, during a condolence visit to the area.

The lawmaker was said to have visited the community to sympathise with the residents over the death of three people when the incident occurred.

Some residents said tension mounted after his arrival, as some aggrieved youths stormed the venue, chanting slogans and expressing dissatisfaction with the lawmaker’s alleged neglect.

The youths, armed with sticks and stones, reportedly vandalised the Prado Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) conveying the lawmaker, smashed the car’s windscreen and rear glass.

The development caused panic among members of the entourage and residents, while security personnel attached to the lawmaker intervened to restore calm and prevent further breakdown of law and order.

Though no casualty was officially confirmed as of the time of filing this report, some residents alleged that the lawmaker had remained distant from the community since his election, a situation they claimed triggered the action.

Sources from the constituency also recalled that a similar incident occurred in Gassol town last year when angry youths attacked the lawmaker’s convoy and damaged a few vehicles over allegations of poor representation.

The incident has heightened concerns over growing discontent between some elected officials and their constituents in parts of Taraba State.

The acting public relations officer, ASP Victor Mshelizah, said the police were aware of the attack on the lawmaker.

He said that if he had informed the divisional police officer (DPO) of his visit, considering past incidents, the situation would have been averted.

Mshelizan advised politicians to always inform security operatives of their movements to provide cover and avoid such situations in the state.