BIDA, Nigeria — A crowd of frustrated youths in Bida, Niger State, attacked the convoy of Governor Umar Bago on Sunday, November 2, 2025, leaving several government vehicles vandalised and a senior official injured after a promised cash handout reportedly failed to materialise for most residents.
According to accounts from local witnesses, tensions flared when residents gathered expecting monetary gifts ahead of the forthcoming local government elections.
The governor had earlier urged the public to assemble on Friday, October 31, 2025, reportedly assuring them that financial support would be distributed.
However, only a limited number of people are said to have received any money.
The situation quickly deteriorated, with crowds turning hostile and directing their anger at the governor’s convoy near the town hall.
“The governor promised that everyone would receive money, but only a few people got anything. That’s when the youths started shouting and attacking,” one resident said.
Stones and sachets of water were hurled at the motorcade, leaving at least six official vehicles damaged.
The violence forced security personnel to intervene as the governor’s team attempted to depart the area.
Eyewitnesses also reported the destruction of political billboards belonging to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and campaign materials bearing the governor’s image across the town.
“The people were very angry because they waited for him to fulfil his promise. When he didn’t, they lost control,” another resident said.
The incident comes on the heels of a deadly stampede linked to a similar cash-sharing exercise in Bida earlier in the week, which resulted in the death of a young girl and left others injured.
The tragedy had already heightened public emotions around the governor’s political outreach activities.
