Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, on Sunday, October 22, 2023, reportedly escaped assassination attempt on way to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja. 

Kogi State Government disclosed in a statement signed by its Commissioner for Information, Hon Kingsley Fanwo, on Sunday. 

It said the assassination attempt occurred shortly after 4.00 p.m. on Sunday evening as stated by the  Commissioner. 

He said the attackers were dressed in military uniform and waylaid the governor as he made his approach to the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

The Commissioner said the attack has been documented with the authorities both in Kogi State and at the national level.

The statement reads, “The Kogi State Government wishes to inform members of the public that there was an assassination attempt on the Governor of the state, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, CON, a few kilometres away from Abuja, on his way to an official engagement from Lokoja. The attack occurred at about 4pm on Sunday, October 22, 2023.

“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.

“The attacks were at three different points, the last barricade being around Kwali  Federal Capital Territory at about 4.20pm.

” 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.

” 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. 

“We call on the citizens to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements in the domain to relevant security agencies. It is the responsibility of the Government to ensure security and we want to assure you that the peace we have enjoyed as a state in the last eight years won’t be lost on the altar of violent politics.