The convoy of the Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, on Sunday was attacked by gunmen said to be adorned in military uniforms.
The attack reportedly took place at about 4 pm close to the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
Kingsley Femi Fanwo, the Kogi State Commissioner for Information and Communications, in a statement disclosed that the assassination attempt on the governor occured a few kilometres away from Abuja while Bello was on his way from Lokoja, the Kogi State capital, to an official engagement in Abuja.
“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,” the statement read.
“It took the swift intervention of the security personnel attached to the Governor to foil the satanic plans of the unknown soldiers.
“The attacks were at three different points, the last barricade being around Kwali Federal Capital Territory at about [sic] 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.”
Fanwo blamed the attack on those that want to tarnish the image of the state, as the state prepared for election next month.
“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,” the statement further said.
“As an administration, we will spare nothing to ensure our citizens are not subjected to security threats by desperate politicians sponsoring violence and terrorism.
“We call 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.”
