A Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) councillorship candidate in Kaduna State, Raymond Timothy Adia, was allegedly assassinated ahead of the local government elections scheduled for October 19, 2024. The 35-year-old candidate for Pari Ward in Kauru Local Government Area (LGA) of Southern Kaduna was reportedly killed alongside his brother, James, 32, on September 29, 2024, while returning home from a political event in Kisachi village.
The Middle Belt Forum (MBF) condemned the assassination, pointing to potential political motives, as neither money nor their motorcycle was stolen, making it unlikely to be a robbery. Adia, known for his community service, was a popular figure in his ward. MBF also referenced a similar political assassination in November 2022, when Mrs. Victoria Chintex, Labour Party Women Leader in Kaura LGA, was killed.
The MBF urged law enforcement to swiftly investigate and bring the perpetrators to justice, stressing the need for non-violence in politics, especially in Southern Kaduna, which has seen a growing trend of politically motivated violence. The forum extended condolences to Adia’s family, including his pregnant wife, and called for calm and civil conduct during the election period.
The MBF represents communities from the Middle Belt region, which includes Southern Kaduna and other states like Benue, Plateau, and parts of Taraba, Kwara, and Nasarawa.
