The governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, escaped an assassination attempt on Sunday as gunmen in military uniforms ambushed his convoy on his way to Abuja, the capital of Nigeria. The state government said the attack occurred at about 4 p.m., a few kilometers away from Abuja. The gunmen opened fire at the governor’s vehicle and other vehicles in the convoy but were repelled by the security personnel attached to the governor.

The government said the attacks were at three different points, the last barricade being around Kwali in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) at about 4.20 p.m. The government also said the incident has been reported to security agencies at the state and national level for investigation and urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious movements.

The motive and identity of the attackers are still unknown, but the government accused some elements of trying to create insecurity in the state ahead of the governorship election slated for November 11, 2023.

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

The governorship election in Kogi State is expected to be a tight contest between Bello, who is seeking a second term on the platform of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), and his main challenger, Samuel Abejide, of the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

Bello has faced criticism from some quarters over his handling of security, governance, and workers’ welfare in the state. He has also been accused of being involved in electoral violence and intimidation during previous elections.

However, Bello has dismissed these allegations as baseless and unfounded, and has boasted of his achievements in infrastructure, health, education, and agriculture. He has also claimed to have the support of President Muhammadu Buhari and other APC leaders. The attack on Bello’s convoy is not the first of its kind in Nigeria, as several politicians and public officials have been targeted by gunmen in recent times.

In July, Funke Olakunrin, the daughter of a prominent Yoruba leader, was killed by suspected bandits along a highway in Ondo State. In August, a former deputy governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Obadiah Mailafia, was attacked by unknown gunmen at his residence in Jos, Plateau State. In September, a federal lawmaker, Nicholas Mutu, was shot at by gunmen in his hometown in Delta State.

These incidents have raised concerns over the state of security in Nigeria, which is grappling with various challenges such as insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, and communal clashes. The federal government has repeatedly assured Nigerians of its commitment to protect lives and property and restore peace and stability in the country. It has also called for collaboration and cooperation among all stakeholders to address the security issues.

Despite the security threats, many Nigerians remain hopeful that the country will overcome its challenges and achieve its potential as a great nation.

Source: The Guardian