The Kogi State Government revealed on Sunday that an assassination attempt was made on the state’s governor, Yahaya Bello, just a few kilometers from Abuja as he was en route from Lokoja, the state capital, to an official engagement.

According to a statement issued by the state Commissioner for Information, Kingsley Fanwo, the attack took place on Sunday, October 22, 2023, at approximately 4 p.m.

Fanwo disclosed, “The attackers, who were dressed in military uniforms, waylaid the governor’s convoy and started shooting sporadically at his vehicle and other vehicles in the convoy. It took the swift intervention of the security personnel attached to the governor to foil the satanic plans of the unknown soldiers.”

He further added, “There were three separate attack locations, with the final roadblock being in Kwali Federal Capital Territory around 4:10 p.m.”

The Commissioner emphasized that “the report of these strange attacks has been properly documented at security offices in the state and at the national level for prompt and thorough investigations to avert future occurrences.”

Fanwo went on to say, “We are not oblivious of the fact that certain elements are bent on painting Kogi unsafe ahead of the governorship poll slated for November 11, 2023. As an administration, we will spare nothing to ensure our citizens are not subjected to security threats by desperate politicians sponsoring violence and terrorism.”

Highlighting the government’s responsibility for ensuring security, Fanwo assured the public that “the peace we have enjoyed as a state in the last eight years won’t be lost on the altar of violent politics.”

He also urged citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to relevant security agencies.