Police in Nigeria's Gombe State are investigating an attack on the convoy of former communications minister Prof. Isa Ali Pantami, after youths blocked a road and set tyres alight as he travelled into the state capital for a political rally.

The incident happened on Tuesday, 11 November, as Pantami made his way to Gombe town for a rally organised by the Gombe chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to honour its governorship candidate, after the Independent National Electoral Commission published his name.

Road blocked with burning tyres

According to reports, a group of youths lit a bonfire and mounted roadblocks with tyres along Jekadafari Road, near the family house of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, in an alleged attempt to stop Pantami from entering the town. Eyewitnesses alleged the youths were suspected members of the ruling All Progressives Congress, a claim that has not been verified.

Another group was reported to have smashed the windscreens of several vehicles in the motorcade, sparking panic among supporters and other road users. Security personnel put out the fire and cleared the road, allowing the motorcade, said to comprise hundreds of vehicles, to continue to the rally venue.

Police yet to issue a statement

No casualties had been officially confirmed, and neither Pantami nor his aides had issued a statement. The Gombe State Police Command had also yet to issue a statement, with police now said to be probing the attack.

Pantami served as communications minister under the late President Muhammadu Buhari and is the PDP's governorship candidate in Gombe ahead of the 2027 election.

Read the original report: The Punch, via AfricaFrontPage — Police probe attack on Pantami's convoy in Gombe. A second report is at THR News — Pantami's convoy attacked in Gombe.