No assassination attempt, Yahaya Bello counters commissioner

Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello has debunked reports that there was an attempt to assassinate him on his way to Abuja on Sunday.

Kogi commissioner for information Kingsley Fanwo had released a statement, saying gunmen attacked Bello’s convoy.

However, speaking with the press in Abuja, Bello labelled the claims as false and should be disregarded.

He clarified that the incident was a trivial disagreement between his personal security team and military personnel assigned to protect the road.

The governor added that while there was a minor fracas between men of the Nigeria Police Force attached to his convoy and those of a military unit manning the highways, it was in the course of both units performing their lawful security duties.

Bello, who commended the security agencies for their joint contributions to the improved security of lives and property, however, called on the high command of the agencies involved to investigate overzealousness or unprofessional conduct by any of their men involved in the incident and apply the necessary sanctions.

“I want to state categorically very clear, dear Nigerians, that there was no assassination attempt on me by the military or by anybody,” he said.

Bello called on Kogi State residents to ignore any attempt by political profiteers to use the incident to unsettle the polity as the state’s 2023 governorship election slated for November 11 draws nearer.

He assured the state of both his safety and the adequacy of security arrangements to ensure that the election is peaceful, free and fair.