The leadership crisis engulfing Lafia Local Government Council escalated on Wednesday as security operatives took full control of the council secretariat, shutting down all activities and arresting protesters who attempted to storm the premises.
By 8 am on Thursday, the secretariat was under complete lockdown. Armed police officers were stationed at all entry points, enforcing a directive aimed at preventing further breakdown of law and order following days of political turmoil.
Eyewitnesses told reporters that several individuals who tried to force their way into the building were swiftly apprehended.
Police sources confirmed the arrests, noting that the action was necessary to “maintain peace and avert violence” amid rising tensions.
The crisis, which has thrown Lafia Local Government Area into uncertainty, stems from a series of suspensions within the council’s leadership.
DAILY POST reported that the Nasarawa State House of Assembly had earlier suspended the council chairman, Mohammed Haliru-Arabo, for three months over allegations of aiding unrest within the legislative council.
Following his suspension, the Assembly directed the deputy chairman, Uba Arikya, to take over in an acting capacity.
In an unexpected twist, the local legislative arm also suspended Arikya, accusing him of perjury and abuse of office.
This wave of disciplinary actions came after the substantive Speaker of the Lafia Legislative Council, Mohammed Shu’abu-Madaki, was similarly suspended for alleged misconduct.
Political observers suggest that the ongoing crisis may be linked to early alignments and internal power struggles ahead of the 2027 governorship race.
Multiple sources disclosed that Governor Abdullahi Sule recently issued a directive warning political appointees and elected officials against openly supporting any APC governorship aspirant until further notice, a move believed to have intensified existing rivalries.
