Pantami defies bonfires, roadblocks, gains entry into Gombe

On Tuesday, youths attempted to prevent Prof. Isa Ali Pantami, the former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, from entering Gombe town by lighting a bonfire and blocking roads along Jekadafari Road. The incident occurred as Pantami arrived for a large rally organized by the Gombe State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to support him for a potential gubernatorial bid announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Witness accounts revealed that the youths set tires alight, creating thick smoke and disrupting vehicular traffic for several minutes, causing panic among motorists, commuters, and locals in the densely populated area. Though the roadblock prevented Pantami's motorcade from entering the town, it was eventually broken through by hundreds of vehicles, with supporters cheering and chanting solidarity songs amid the smoke.

Several vehicles in the motorcade had their windshields smashed by a group of armed youths, causing further alarm. Despite the chaos, security forces quickly intervened to extinguish the fire and restore normal traffic flow. Pantami's aides have not yet issued an official statement about the incident, and no casualties were reported.

Local residents expressed fear and called for political leaders to encourage peaceful behavior, warning that Gombe is known for its harmonious coexistence.