A tragic incident occurred on Sunday evening in Kauru Local Government Area, Kaduna State, where a councilorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Raymond Timothy, and his brother, James Timothy, were shot dead by unidentified gunmen.
The attack took place as the brothers were returning home on a motorcycle after participating in a political campaign in Kizachi Village, Pari Ward.
According to a local PDP leader, Barnabas Chawai, who confirmed the incident to Press, the shooting happened shortly after the Timothy brothers had completed their campaign activities.
Chawai expressed deep concern that the attack may have been politically motivated, given the tense atmosphere surrounding the upcoming local government elections scheduled for October 19.
He called for an immediate and thorough investigation by the security agencies to ensure the perpetrators are apprehended and justice is served.
“We need swift action to prevent any further violence as we approach the election period,” Chawai urged, stressing that the local political climate had become increasingly charged in recent weeks. He noted that Raymond Timothy, the slain candidate, left behind a wife who is currently expecting their fourth child, as well as three other young children.”
The brutal attack has left the small, rural community in shock and mourning. John Wanneh, the Secretary to the Village Head of Kizachi, recounted that he had seen both Raymond and James earlier in the evening, around 6 p.m., as they prepared to return home.
After exchanging farewells, the brothers headed off, but only a few minutes later, the peaceful evening was shattered by the sound of gunfire echoing from nearby guinea corn fields.
Wanneh added that while there are suspicions that the attack could be politically linked, the exact motives behind the killings remain unclear.
“We cannot say for certain who is responsible or whether this was politically driven,” he stated. However, the timing of the incident has fueled speculation among the local population, with many fearing that political rivalry may have played a role.
Wanneh also highlighted the pressing infrastructural challenges facing the community, which have hindered effective responses to such emergencies.
He lamented that Kizachi Village lacks a proper road network, and the absence of a bridge over a nearby river has made it difficult for security personnel to access the area swiftly during crises. This, he said, poses significant risks for the safety of the villagers.
Efforts to obtain an official statement from the Kaduna State Police were unsuccessful, as the state’s police spokesperson, ASP Mansir Hassan, did not respond to calls or text messages regarding the incident.
As the October 19 local government elections approach, there is growing concern that the political tensions in Kaduna State, especially in the Kauru Local Government Area, could lead to further violence unless proactive security measures are taken.
Community leaders and politicians alike are calling for peace and urging the authorities to act quickly to prevent the situation from escalating.
Meanwhile, the families of Raymond and James Timothy are left grieving the loss of two lives cut short by senseless violence.
