Kogi State Governor Denies Assassination Attempt, Cites Minor Altercation on Lokoja-Abuja Highway

In a press briefing held on Sunday evening, Kogi State Governor Alhaji Yahaya Bello vehemently denied allegations of an assassination attempt on his life. The incident, which took place on the Lokoja-Abuja Highway, was characterized by Governor Bello as a mere altercation between his security detail and military personnel at a checkpoint.

The conflicting statements surrounding the incident came to light, with Mr. Kingsley Fanwo, the Information Commissioner of Kogi State, initially asserting an assassination attempt on the governor’s life during the incident on the Lokoja-Abuja Road at approximately 4:20 p.m. Fanwo claimed that the attackers were donned in military uniforms but were repelled by the governor’s security personnel.

In contrast, Governor Bello’s Media Aide, Onogwu Mohammed, issued a statement in Lokoja, stating, “What happened along the Lokoja-Abuja road was a minor disagreement between the security details attached to him and some military personnel providing security on the road.”

During an interview conducted at his residence in Abuja, Governor Bello clarified that there was no attempt on his life. He described the incident as a minor disagreement between the Nigerian Police Force personnel attached to his convoy and the military unit responsible for highway security. He emphasized that both units were merely performing their lawful security duties.

Governor Bello commended the security agencies for their collaborative efforts in improving the security of lives and property within Kogi State. He, however, urged the high command of these agencies to investigate any overzealous or unprofessional conduct displayed by their personnel during the incident and apply appropriate sanctions.

Additionally, the governor called on the residents of Kogi State to disregard any attempts by political opportunists to exploit the incident to disrupt the state’s political climate, as the gubernatorial elections for November 11, 2023, draw nearer. He assured the state’s residents of his safety and the sufficiency of security arrangements to ensure peaceful, free, and fair elections.