Controversy over attack on Kogi gov’s convoy
State government, Ajaka trade allegations
Kogi State government says the convoy of Governor Yahaya Bello was yesterday blocked and attacked by people believed to be supporters of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) governorship candidate in the state, Muritala Yakubu Ajaka. Kingsley Femi Fanwo, Commissioner for Information and Communications in the state, announced the development in a statement issued yesterday.
Fanwo also claimed that some security aides and other aides attached to the governor sustained various degrees of injuries and have been taken to the hospital for medical attention. “The attack took place near the Naval Base, few kilometres from Lokoja where the convoy of Muritala Yakubu Ajaka, having sighted that of the governor, blocked the road and some of his armed thugs started shooting sporadically at the convoy of the Governor.
“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 shotguns. The Governor left the scene unscathed and there is no cause for panic as the Governor is in high spirit. 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 Governor has warned that no APC member should involve in any reprisal attack as insecurity from any quarter will be met with stiff penalties,’ Fanwo said in the release
But in a statement signed by Faruk Adejo Audu, Director of Communications, Muritala Yakubu Organisation, Ajaka’s camp claimed that he was the one attacked and he in fact, managed to escape being assassinated. According to the statement, Alhaji Ajaka and some vehicles accompanying him were going to Lokoja when his car was forced to a stop by armed men on power bikes and a Toyota Hilux truck. The attackers were allegedly joined b a Mercedes Benz Limousine with Governor Bello’s official crest accompanied by an open pick up- loaded with masked and hooded men bearing AK 47 assault rifles
“The men jumped down and began shooting at Ajaka’s car and all other cars in the motorcade. They shot for over 5 minutes at Ajaka’s bulletproof car unprovoked. When they ceased, Ajaka’s car, a Lexus SUV though bulletproof was totally damaged and demobilized. Mr. Ajaka who was on his way to keep an appointment with the Mai Geri, a first-class traditional ruler of Lokoja and The Attah Igala in Idah decided to abort the journey and return to Abuja after conferring with the Commander of the Lokoja Naval Base,” Audu added.
