Governor Bello Denies Rumours of Assassination Attempt

Yahaya Bello, Kogi State Governor, has vehemently denied allegations of an assassination attempt on his life.  On Sunday, reports emerged suggesting that Bello narrowly escaped an assassination attempt en route to an official engagement in Abuja.

In an official statement by Kingsley Fanwo, the Commissioner for Information of Kogi State, it was mentioned that the alleged attack occurred at approximately 4 p.m. on Sunday, October 22.

He said, the reported incident involved unidentified individuals dressed in military attire who intercepted the governor’s convoy and opened fire indiscriminately at his vehicle and others in the convoy. Swift action by the governor’s security personnel prevented any harm, dispelling the alleged threat.

However, in a Facebook Live statement on Sunday, Governor Yahaya Bello refuted claims of an assassination attempt.

He said  ‘Misguided elements will take this out of context. You are not doing me any favour by putting fake news out there, saying Governor Yahaya Belo escaped assassination when there was nothing of that nature.

‘There was a minor fracas between the military and the police attached to my convoy. It was resolved within five minutes,” he added.

Governor Bello expresses appreciation to security agencies

The Governor commended the collaborative efforts of the security agencies in enhancing the safety and security of the people of Kogi State. However, he urged the leadership of these agencies to investigate any instances of excessive zeal or unprofessional conduct by their personnel involved in the incident and take appropriate disciplinary measures.

Governor Bello also called upon the citizens of Kogi State to dismiss any fake report of assassination attempts by political opportunists to exploit the incident for destabilizing the state’s political climate, particularly as the state’s governorship elections scheduled for November 11, 2023, approach. He assured the state’s residents of his safety and the effectiveness of security arrangements to ensure that the elections are conducted peacefully, freely, and fairly.