BY TAIBAT UMMI YAKUBU

Political tension erupted in Gombe on Tuesday after suspected political supporters blocked a major road with burning tyres and reportedly attacked vehicles in the convoy of former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Ali Pantami, as he arrived in the state capital.

The incident occurred along Jekadafari Road, close to the family residence of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, amid allegations that the youths were attempting to prevent Pantami from entering Gombe for a major political rally organised in his honour.

Pantami was arriving in the state for a grand reception and mega rally organised by the Gombe State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), following the appearance of his name on the Independent National Electoral Commission's (INEC) list of governorship candidates.

What was expected to be a major political gathering was overshadowed by scenes of unrest, as youths reportedly took over the busy road, placed used tyres across it and set them on fire.

The resulting thick smoke spread across the Jekadafari neighbourhood, sending motorists, traders and other residents into panic. Traffic came to a standstill for several minutes as drivers abandoned the route and searched for alternative ways to reach their destinations.

The situation also forced several business owners to shut their shops over fears that the confrontation could escalate into violence between supporters of rival political camps.

Despite the obstruction, Pantami's motorcade, which reportedly comprised hundreds of vehicles, eventually made its way through the affected area and continued towards the rally venue. Supporters accompanying the former minister were seen chanting solidarity songs as the convoy navigated the smoke-filled road.

However, the situation reportedly took a more dangerous turn when another group of youths, allegedly armed with dangerous weapons, attacked vehicles within the procession, smashing the windscreens of several cars and triggering panic among passengers and other road users.

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Security personnel deployed to the area eventually intervened, extinguished the burning tyres and cleared the obstruction, allowing traffic to resume.

A resident, Sani Balarabe, said the sudden outbreak of violence caught many people off guard, leaving residents uncertain about what might happen next.

“We were just going about our normal business when we saw the youths blocking the road. Everybody was scared because we did not know what would happen next,” he said.

The incident has raised concerns among residents about the growing tension surrounding political activities in the state, particularly as political alignments and preparations for the 2027 elections gather momentum.

As of the time of filing this report, neither Pantami nor his aides had issued an official statement concerning the reported attack. The Gombe State Police Command had also not released an official account of the incident, while no casualties had been formally confirmed.

Residents have appealed to political leaders and party supporters to exercise restraint, warning against allowing political disagreements to degenerate into violence that could threaten the state's longstanding reputation for peaceful coexistence.