On Sunday, the Kogi State Government reported that an assassination attempt occurred on the state governor, Yahaya Bello, just a few kilometers outside of Abuja while he was en route to an official engagement from Lokoja, the state capital.
According to a statement released by the Kogi State Commissioner for Information, Kingsley Fanwo, the attack took place at approximately 4 p.m. on Sunday, October 22, 2023.
He mentioned, “The assailants, disguised in military uniforms, ambushed the governor’s convoy and commenced firing indiscriminately at his vehicle and other vehicles within the convoy. It was the quick response of the security personnel accompanying the governor that thwarted the sinister intentions of the unidentified assailants.”
He noted that the attacks occurred at three distinct locations, with the final barricade taking place near Kwali in the Federal Capital Territory at approximately 4:20 p.m.
He further stated, “The details of these unusual attacks have been diligently recorded and reported to security agencies both within the state and at the national level, ensuring that comprehensive investigations are carried out to prevent such incidents in the future.”
He also emphasized, “We are fully aware that some individuals are determined to portray Kogi as an unsafe environment leading up to the governorship election scheduled for November 11, 2023.”
The government official affirmed, “Our administration is committed to taking all necessary measures to safeguard our citizens from security threats arising from the actions of politicians resorting to violence and terrorism.”
He urged the citizens to stay watchful and promptly report any suspicious activities in the area to the appropriate security authorities, stating, “Securing our state is a duty of the government, and we want to guarantee that the peace we’ve experienced over the past eight years won’t be sacrificed due to the influence of violent politics.”