Paiko Kore community in Gwagwalada Area Council, Abuja, became a flashpoint of political violence yesterday as rival supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) clashed during overlapping campaign activities, resulting in the destruction of properties, displacement of families, and a growing atmosphere of insecurity.
According to on-the-ground reports from Bassa TV and independent sources, the crisis began when APC campaigners arrived in Paiko Kore for a scheduled rally, only to find PDP members already conducting political activities in a nearby section of the community. Tensions reportedly escalated when APC supporters attempted to install a campaign banner close to a PDP office, a move that PDP members resisted. While the banner was initially removed, APC members allegedly re-mounted it, igniting further friction between the groups.
Sources revealed that while both parties maintained separate activities for a period, the situation escalated dramatically after some APC members who had temporarily moved to Ibwa returned to Paiko Kore. Upon their return, a physical confrontation ensued, quickly degenerating into widespread violence. Residents disclosed that APC supporters outnumbered their PDP counterparts, overpowering them and sparking retaliatory actions on both sides.
Eyewitnesses reported that several properties were destroyed in the melee. Among them was a house belonging to a Mallam Sani, a PDP supporter, which was set ablaze. In apparent reprisal, the residence of house an APC members were also torched. Vehicles, motorcycles, and other valuables were reportedly destroyed, resulting in significant material losses estimated in millions of naira. Families in affected areas were forced to flee their homes, creating a humanitarian dimension to the conflict.
An incident cited by community sources highlighted the intensity of the confrontation. Angulu Yahaya Zakari, a known local figure and son of the Alhaji Ibrahim Dobi (Zad’s brother), reportedly drove an ash-colored Volkswagen Golf through the area, just like he did in Tungan Maje, shouting inciting remarks along with his associates. “Inn Bakuyiba, zamuyi muku,” he allegedly yelled, prompting elders to intervene to prevent a wider escalation by restraining youth reaction. Additional reports suggest that the APC Councilorship candidate for Paiko Ward, Mustapha Sule Makeri discharged a local pistol during the fracas, further inflaming the already volatile situation.
As of filing this report, there has been no official statement from the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) security agencies regarding arrests or casualty figures. Community members are calling for urgent intervention by the police, the Department of State Services (DSS), and FCT authorities to restore order and prevent further violence.
Political analysts have described the Paiko Kore incident as part of a worrying trend of politically motivated violence in Gwagwalada Area Council, citing similar clashes in Tungan Maje and other neighboring wards. “This pattern underscores a deepening culture of political intolerance and disregard for democratic norms,” one analyst said.
Residents and local stakeholders have urged political parties to exercise restraint, avoid provocative acts, and ensure the safety of citizens and properties ahead of the ongoing electoral activities.
Chronicles Reporters will continue monitoring developments and provide updates as official responses and security interventions unfold.