Ex-Rep deputy leader escapes death as violence mars PDP congress in Niger

The congress to elect the state working committee of the opposition People Democratic Party (PDP) in Niger state on Saturday turned violent as thugs took over the venue and almost lynched former deputy leader of the House of Representatives, Alhaji Shehu Agaie.

The thugs were said to be loyal to a top contender for the office of the Chairman.

Hon. Agaie was reported to have been manhandled and had to be whisked away from the venue of the congress by heavily armed security men.

It was learnt that Hon. Agaie was attacked by his kinsmen who accused him of sabotaging their collective interest by aligning with the former governor Babangida Aliyu-led group.

However, when the atmosphere became tensed and uncondusive for any congress, the electoral committee led by Mohammed Iman from the national headquarters of the party had to be whisked away by security agents.

A pointer to the violence was noticed when as early as 7:00am, the entire vicinity of the party secretariat along eastern bypass Minna was taken over by supporters of the warring factions amidst heavy security presence.

However, the heavy security presence at the venue, could not prevent the former House of Representatives member from being giving the beating of his life by angry mob.

In a statement, the Chairman of the electoral committee, Mohammed Imam, said a report on the situation will be made available to the national secretariat of the party to decide next line of action.

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