The Attah Igala, Mathew Opaluwa Ogwuche-Akpa, has condemned the Saturday, June 3 attack on the convoy of the State Governor, Yahaya Bello by a political group while returning from Abuja to Lokoja.
The Attah, who led members of the Kogi State Traditional Council of chiefs on a sympathy visit to the Governor, at the Government House in Lokoja today, June 5, strongly condemned the attack, labeling it as a criminal act that must not be repeated in Kogi State, going forward.
The first class traditional ruler and President of the Council of chiefs in the State, cautioned politicians and their followers against violent campings ahead of November 2023 election.
He prayed for the continuous well-being of Governor Yahaya Bello and the progress of Kogi State, even as the Ohimege-Igu of Koto Karfe, Abdulrazaq Isah Koto, emphasized that the state, which has enjoyed significant peace and tranquility under the leadership of Governor Yahaya Bello, will continue to remain peaceful.
He called on the politicians to adhere to the established rules.
Responding, the Governor expressed surprise at the conduct of those who attacked his convoy on Saturday.
The governor narrated that on his way to Abuja on May 25th, his convoy encountered a roadblock allegedly set up by protesting truck drivers who claimed to have issues with the task force.
The governor said that after waiting for hours, enduring untold hardship alongside other commuters who were unaware of the situation, he joined the security personnel in clearing the road.
He said that those who were involved in subjecting other road users to such harsh conditions, were subsequently arrested and charged by the security forces.
The governor said that such actions were meant to serve as a deterrent to others who may attempt to take the law into their own hands.
According to him, due to a meeting of the Progressive Governors Forum with President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Abuja, he requested the party to reschedule the Unveiling of the APC’s Deputy Governorship candidate, rescheduled for Saturday to Saturday.
The Governor said that as a result of a hectic week, he was taking a naps in his car while on his way to Lokoja when he noticed that the convoy was not moving.
He said that when he inquired about the reason, he was informed by his security details that it was the convoy of the governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) that was causing the delay.
He said that despite frantic efforts by his security details to find a way through, he had no choice but to follow behind Murtala’s convoy from Koto Karfe to Lokoja, covering a distance of approximately 30 kilometers to the point that his convoy was attacked.
The governor described the attackers’ actions as criminal, emphasizing that such lawlessness would never be tolerated in the state.
He called on the security forces, including the traditional rulers, to play their part in ensuring the continuity of peace in the state ahead of the election.
He stressed the need for collective efforts to combat criminality, saying that there is no room for division in Kogi State.
Governor Yahaya Bello commended the traditional rulers for their proactive and fatherly guidance, expressing his appreciation for their visit and sympathy.
He also highlighted the historical connection between the Igala and Ebira people, emphasizing that politicians campaigning along ethnic and religious lines are causing problems in the state.
The governor assured the traditional leaders of his unwavering commitment to maintaining law and order in the state.
