In a startling incident on Saturday, the convoy of Governor Yahaya Bello was reportedly attacked by unidentified gunmen near a Naval Base just a few kilometers away from Lokoja, the capital city of Kogi State.
This information was revealed by the Kogi Commissioner for Information, Mr Kingsley Fanwo, in a statement issued in Lokoja.
According to Fanwo, the assailants were allegedly political thugs associated with the opposition Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the state.
The attack occurred at approximately 12:30 p.m. and resulted in several injuries, including those of security aides who were promptly taken to nearby hospitals for medical treatment.
Reportedly, as Governor Bello’s convoy approached, the suspected political thugs, armed with rifles and short guns, barricaded the road and opened fire.
The governor’s vehicle was also obstructed by a Tundra bearing the SDP’s logo and flags.
Fortunately, Governor Bello escaped unharmed, prompting Fanwo to reassure the public and advise them to remain calm.
He assured that security agencies were in full control of the situation and determined to apprehend the culprits responsible for the attack.
Fanwo stressed that the state government would not tolerate any disruption of law and order and vowed to take necessary measures to bring the attackers to justice.
Additionally, he warned members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bello’s party, against engaging in retaliatory acts, emphasizing that any form of insecurity would be met with severe penalties.
In response, Mr Kunle Afolayo, Media Aide to the SDP Governorship Candidate, Mr Yakubu Ajaka, refuted the allegations made by Fanwo. Afolayo claimed that it was actually the governor’s political thugs who instigated the attack.
He asserted that while they were en route to the Palace of Maigari in Lokoja from Koton Karfe, the governor’s convoy, traveling from Abuja to Lokoja, encountered them and initiated the assault.
Afolayo criticized the APC administration in Kogi, accusing them of utilizing their government power to falsely incriminate the SDP and suppress their political activities.
He expressed confidence that the truth would prevail and urged the public to consider the circumstances surrounding the incident.
