•”It’s Not True, The Gov Was Indeed The Mastermind”
THE convoy of the Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello was on Saturday allegedly attacked by people reported to be supporters of Alhaji Muritala Yakubu Ajaka, the Social Democratic Party (SDP) governorship candidate in the state.
The incident, which occurred at about 12.30 pm, reportedly left many people injured.
According to a statement issued by Kingsley Femi Fanwo, the state Commissioner for Information and Communications, the attack took place near the Naval Base, a few kilometres from Lokoja.
Fanwo noted that the convoy of Muritala Yakubu Ajaka, having sighted that of Governor Bello, blocked the road and Ajaka’s 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 shotguns. The governor left the scene unscathed and there is no cause for panic as the governor is in high spirits.
“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 be involved in any reprisal attack as insecurity from any quarter will be met with stiff penalties” the statement concluded.
Meanwhile, another account suggests that it was indeed the Kogi State SDP governorship candidate that was the victim of the attack.
Alhaji Ajaka was said to have luckily escaped assassination when his motorcade was attacked by gunmen allegedly led by Alhaji Yahaya Bello.
Alhaji Ajaka and some vehicles accompanying him were reportedly approaching Lokoja in the vicinity of the ram market at about 300pm when two power bikes and Toyota Hilux overtook his car and forced it to a stop.
This assault was heralded by a Mercedes Benz Limousine with Bello’s official crest accompanied by an open pick- loaded with masked and hooded men bearing AK 47 assault rifles.
The men jumped down and began shooting at Ajaka’s car and all other cars in the motorcade. They shot for over 5 minutes at Ajaka’s bulletproof car unprovoked.
All this while Bello’s car was parked a few meters in front and was used to barricade the road while the gunmen had a field day.
When they ceased, Ajaka’s car, a Lexus SUV, though bulletproof, was totally damaged and demobilised.
Eighteen-Eleven Media