JUST-IN; Yahaya Bello Escapes Death as Gunmen Attack Convoy

■■Fingers Disqualified APC Governorship Aspirant as Sponsor

The Governor of Kogi State Yahaya Bello, on Saturday alleged that he was attacked by gunmen near Lokoja.

The governor claimed that the attack was carried out by thugs loyal to a disqualified governorship aspirant Muritala Ajaka.

Ajaka is currently the governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party for the forthcoming election in the state.

According to a statement by Kingsley Fanwo, Commissioner for Information, supporters of Muritala Yakubu Ajaka carried out the attacks.

The incident which occurred at about 12.30 hours left many people injured.

Fanwo said the attack took place near the Naval Base, few kilometres from Lokoja.

He said that the convoy of Muritala Yakubu Ajaka, having sighted that of the Governor, blocked the road while Ajaka’s armed thugs shot 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” the statement concluded.