There is a raging controversy over whether Kogi Governor, Yahaya Bello, was attacked by gunmen or whether it was the governor’s team that opened fire on former All Progressives Congress (APC) Deputy National Publicity Secretary and now the Social Democratic Party (SDP) gubernatorial candidate, Mr. Murtala Ajaka.
In the initial report that went out, it was alleged that Bello’s convoy was intercepted by gunmen who rained bullets on them, but were overwhelmed by the governor’s security team.
An insider told Everyday.ng: It is all Tales by Moonlight (a long running television series). Do you think anybody in Kogi State dare do that to Yahaya Bello. The federal government has security men posted and they were at the scene, the truth should come out from them.”
But a statement by the SDP told a completely different story. The Director of Publicity for the Murtala Ajaka Organisation, Mr. Faruk Adejoh-Audu said in the statement titled, KOGI SDP CANDIDATE ESCAPES GOV BELLO LED ASSASSINATION ATTEMPT: “The candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Alhaji Muritala Yakubu Ajaka this afternoon luckily escaped assassination when his motorcade was attacked by gunmen personally led by the Governor of Kogi State Alhaji Yahaya Bello.
“Alhaji Ajaka and some vehicles accompanying him were approaching Lokoja at the vicinity of the ram market at about 300pm when two powerbikes and Toyota Hilux overtook his car and forced it to a stop.
“This assault was heralded by a Mercrdes Benz Limousine with Bellos official crest accompanied by an open pick- loaded with masked and hooded men bearing AK 47 Assault Rifles.
“The men jumped down an began shooting at Ajaka’s car and all other cars in the motorcade. They shot for over five minutes at Ajaka’s bullet proof car unprovoked.
“All this while Bello’s car was parked a few meters in front and was used to barricade the road while the gun men had a field day.
“When they ceased, Ajaka’s car, a Lexus SUV though a bullet proof was totally damaged and demobilised.”
Adejoh-Audu listed some persons described as “notorious thug” and a former member of the House of Assembly who was recently appointed for Fireams Recovery by Mr Bello. Also identified was a state commissioner who allegedly has a gross reputation for thuggery.
“Mr Ajaka, who was on his way to keep an appointment with the Mai Geri, the 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.
“This again is another low score… in the exercise of crude power and brute force….
“We appeal to the new President of the Federal Republic, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu to demonstrate that his administration will not permit the brigandage of the last eight years which has led to the deaths of thousands of Nigeria.”
In a statement, Kingsley Fanwo, the state Commissioner for Information and Communications, told the government’s version of what transpired at Banda village just before Lokoja, the state capital.
“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.”