Newsbreak: Gunmen attack Kogi Governor Bello as security aides fought back

By Gboyega Ademikale

Heavily armed men on Saturday attacked the Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello

The Governor however escaped death following brave resistance from his security aides.

A Naval base was close to where the attack took place.

Irohinoodua was informed that the attackers wanted to kill Bello given the level of attacks and gunshots from the armed men. The incidence took place at 12:30pm on Saturday in Banda, close to Lokoja.

 A statement issued by the State Government and made available to Irohinoodua stated that Bello suspected supporters of Alhaji Muritala Yakubu Ajaka, a former member of the All Progressives Congress,.

Yakubu is the candidate of the Social Democratic Party in the Kogi November governorship election

Kingsley Femi Fanwo, the state Commissioner for Information and Communications said the convoy of Ajaka deliberately blocked that of Bello.

He said his armed thugs started shooting sporadically at the convoy of the Governor.

The statement reads: “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.

“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.”