Governor escapes assassination as ‘unknown soldiers’ attack convoy

Gunmen have attacked the convoy of Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, in Lokoja, the state capital.

Disclosing the attack via a statement on Sunday, October 22, 2023, the Kogi State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, said Bello was attacked while travelling to Abuja for an official engagement.

Fanwo described the attack which he said occurred at about 4 p.m. on Sunday as an assasination attempt on the governor, saying Bello was attacked a few kilometres away from Abuja.

The commissioner stated: “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.

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“The attacks were at three different points, the last barricade being around Kwali, Federal Capital Territory at about 4.20pm.

“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.

“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.”

Fanwo, however, called on the people of Kogi State to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements in their 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,” the commissioner added.

The Star