The North East Regional Minister, Ibrahim Tia, narrowly escaped death after his vehicle was attacked by an angry mob while attempting to mediate violent clashes in Walewale.

Tragically, his brother lost his life in the incident.

In a harrowing account, he revealed that the attack took place at the Walewale Chief’s palace, where he had gone to brief local authorities about the worsening situation in the region.

The unrest had already led to the deaths of at least seven people, with several others injured, following an attack on a bus that was set on fire.

He explained that he was ambushed by the mob, who vandalised his vehicle and held him hostage for over two hours.

During this time, police officers managed to rescue him, but it was too late to save his brother, who died in the chaos, he said.

"I was trapped at the Chief’s palace. My vehicle was destroyed, and I was held hostage for more than two hours before the police arrived to rescue me. I was still breathing when they finally pulled me out, but sadly, that’s where my brother lost his life," he told Elton Brobbey of Joy News.

Meanwhile, the Regional Security Council has launched a manhunt for those responsible for the attack as they work to bring the perpetrators to justice.