- They were returning home from a political campaign in Kizachi Village
A councilorship candidate for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kaduna State’s Kauru Local Government Area, Raymond Timothy, and his brother, James Timothy, have been shot dead by gunmen.
The incident occurred on Sunday evening as the brothers were returning home from a political campaign in Kizachi Village, Pari Ward, on a motorcycle, a PDP chieftain, Barnabas Chawai, told PUNCH.
Chawai suggested the attack could be politically motivated and urged security agencies to launch an investigation to bring the culprits to justice. “Drastic measures need to be taken to prevent further violence as we approach the October 19 local government elections,” he said.
He noted that the deceased candidate had three children, while his wife is expecting a fourth.
John Wanneh, Secretary to the Village Head of Kizachi, said he last saw the victims at around 6 p.m. before they parted ways. Minutes later, he heard gunshots coming from nearby guinea corn fields.
“We can’t confirm who is responsible for the attack or whether it was politically motivated,” he said.
Wanneh called on the government to improve the village’s infrastructure, explaining that the lack of a proper road and a bridge over a nearby river has made it difficult for security personnel to reach the community during emergencies.
Efforts to reach the Kaduna State Police spokesperson, ASP Mansir Hassan, for comment were unsuccessful as he did not respond to calls or text messages.