According to Kingsley Femi Fanwo, the Commissioner for Information and Communications, an attempt was made on the life of Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State while he was en route to an official event in Abuja on Sunday evening. Fanwo reported that the assailants, dressed in military attire, ambushed the governor’s convoy and opened fire on his vehicle,Daily Trust report.
The statement issued by Fanwo stated: “The Kogi State Government wishes to inform the public that an assassination attempt was made on the Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, CON, just a few kilometers away from Abuja while he was on his way to an official engagement from Lokoja. This incident took place at approximately 4 pm on Sunday, October 22, 2023.”
“The individuals, dressed in military uniforms, intercepted the Governor’s convoy and began firing indiscriminately at his vehicle and other vehicles within the convoy.”
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While security agents swiftly intervened to thwart the attack, the Commissioner attributed it to the actions of certain individuals seeking to portray the state as unsafe in the run-up to the forthcoming governorship election, scheduled for next month.
Fanwo remarked, “The timely response of the security personnel assigned to the Governor prevented the nefarious intentions of these unidentified attackers. The assaults occurred at three separate locations, with the final incident near Kwali, Federal Capital Territory, at approximately 4:20 pm.”
Reports of these unusual attacks have been duly documented with security agencies at both the state and national levels to ensure thorough investigations and prevent future occurrences.
“We are fully aware that some elements are determined to cast Kogi in a negative light prior to the Governorship Poll slated for November 11, 2023. As an administration, we are committed to ensuring the safety of our citizens and will spare no effort in protecting them from security threats orchestrated by desperate politicians who sponsor violence and terrorism.”
“We urge the citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities in their vicinity to the relevant security agencies. It is the government’s duty to ensure security, and we assure you that the peace Kogi State has enjoyed over the past eight years will not be sacrificed on the altar of violent politics.”
