The Kogi State Government has disclosed that an attempt on the life of the Governor of the State, Yahaya Bello, occurred just a few kilometers from Abuja as he was en route to an official engagement from Lokoja on October 22.
In a press release issued on Sunday by Kingsley Femi Fanwo, the Kogi State Commissioner for Information and Communications, it was revealed that the attack took place around 4 pm on that fateful Sunday. The statement elaborated on the incident:
“The assailants, clad in military uniforms, ambushed the Governor’s convoy, opening fire indiscriminately at his vehicle and other vehicles in the motorcade. Swift action by the Governor’s security detail thwarted the sinister intentions of these unidentified individuals. These attacks transpired at three different locations, with the final confrontation occurring near Kwali in the Federal Capital Territory at approximately 4:20 pm.”
The statement emphasized that reports of these alarming attacks have been duly documented with the appropriate security agencies at both the state and national levels, ensuring that thorough investigations are conducted promptly to prevent any such incidents in the future.
It was acknowledged that certain elements are determined to portray Kogi as an unsafe place in the run-up to the governorship election scheduled for November 11, 2023. The government pledged to spare no effort in safeguarding its citizens from security threats brought about by politicians who sponsor violence and terrorism.
The statement also urged citizens to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious activities in their vicinity to the relevant security authorities. The government reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining the peace that Kogi State has enjoyed over the past eight years, assuring that it will not be sacrificed on the altar of violent politics.
