On Sunday, Kogi State officials reported a harrowing incident involving an assassination attempt on the state’s governor, Yahaya Bello. The attempt occurred just a few kilometers outside of Abuja while Governor Bello was en route to an official engagement from Lokoja, the state’s capital.
The state’s Commissioner for Information, Kingsley Fanwo, confirmed the attack, which took place around 4 p.m. on Sunday, October 22, 2023. The attackers, disguised in military uniforms, ambushed the governor’s convoy and began firing indiscriminately at his vehicle and other vehicles in the convoy. Fortunately, swift action by the security personnel accompanying the governor thwarted the sinister plans of these unidentified assailants.
The attacks happened at three different locations, with the final barricade occurring around Kwali in the Federal Capital Territory at approximately 4:20 p.m. These alarming incidents have been thoroughly documented with security authorities at both the state and national levels to ensure a swift and thorough investigation to prevent future occurrences.
It is suspected that these attacks may be related to the upcoming governorship election scheduled for November 11, 2023, as some individuals are attempting to create an atmosphere of insecurity in Kogi. The state government is resolute in its commitment to safeguarding the safety of its citizens, rejecting any efforts by desperate politicians who may be sponsoring violence and terrorism.
The government encourages citizens to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the appropriate security agencies. The administration is dedicated to maintaining the peace and security that Kogi State has enjoyed over the last eight years and will not allow it to be jeopardized by violent political motives.
