Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
The Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, Sunday was said to have escaped assassination attempt on his life near Abuja where he was to attend an official engagement.
This was alleged by the Kogi State Government, which said the Governor was on his way to the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, when the incident occurred.
The statement signed by the state Commissioner for information, Kingsley Fanwo, said that the attack occurred at about 4 p.m.
According to the statement, hoodlums ambushed the Governor’s convoy and opened fire at it immediately they sighted the convoy.
“The attackers who were dressed in military uniforms waylaid the governor’s convoy and started shooting sporadically at his vehicle and other vehicles in the convoy. It took the swift intervention of the security personnel attached to the governor to foil the satanic plans of the unknown soldiers.”
According to the statement, the attacks were at three different points, the last barricade being around Kwali Federal Capital Territory at about 4.20 p.m.
“The report of these strange attacks has been properly documented at security offices in the state and at the national level for prompt and thorough investigations to avert future occurrences,” he added.
The statement further read: “We are not oblivious of the fact that certain elements are bent on painting Kogi unsafe ahead of the governorship poll slated for November 11, 2023.
“As an administration, we will spare nothing to ensure our citizens are not subjected to security threats by desperate politicians sponsoring violence and terrorism.”
They called on the citizens to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements in the domain to relevant security agencies.
“It is the responsibility of the government to ensure security and we want to assure you that the peace we have enjoyed as a state in the last eight years won’t be lost on the altar of violent politics.”
Kogi has become so volatile ahead of the November governorship poll.
