Lokoja – Politics of Kogi State took a frightening dimension on Saturday when the convoy of Governor Yahaya Bello came under sporadic gun attack from some suspected armed political thugs.
The armed thugs believed to be loyal to Muritala Yakubu Ajaka, the governorship candidate of Social Democratic Party (SDP) attacked the governor on Abuja -Lokoja highway at about 12:30pm.
Bello was returning to Lokoja from Abuja when his convoy ran into an ambush laid by the suspected armed political thugs.
Reports said that security operatives in the governor’s convoy swiftly responded and dislodged the attackers.
Kogi State is one of the three states where off season governorship election is holding in the country on Saturday, November 11, 2023.
Ajaka of the SDP is one of the candidates contesting the election.
Kogi State Commissioner for information, Kingsley Fanwo confirmed the attack on the governor’s convoy.
According to him,
Governor Bello’s convoy was blocked and attacked by people believed to be supporters of Alh. Muritala Yakubu Ajaka at about 12.30 hours today.
“The attack took place near the Naval Base, few kilometres from Lokoja where the convoy of Muritala Yakubu Ajaka, having sighted that of the governor, blocked the road and some of his armed thugs started shooting sporadically at the convoy of the Governor.
“A Tundra branded with the logo of the SDP and with SDP flags also blocked the Governor’s vehicle and occupants of the SDP branded Tundra were armed with Rifles and short guns.
“The Governor left the scene unscathed and there is no cause for panic as the Governor is in high spirit,” he said.
Fanwo, however, explained that some security aides and other aides attached to the Governor sustained some degrees of injuries and have been rushed to medical facilities for medical attention.
“We urge the people of Kogi State to remain calm as security agents are in full control to ensure the arrest of the hoodlums behind the attack.
“The State Government will ensure that law and order are maintained as the attackers will be brought to justice.
“The Governor has warned that no APC member should involve in any reprisal attack as insecurity from any quarter will be met with stiff penalties,” the statement said.
(vitalnewsngr.com)
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