Murtala Ajaka, the gubernatorial candidate for the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Kogi State, has revealed the shocking details of his narrow escape from an alleged assassination attempt. The incident occurred in Koton Karfe, as Ajaka was returning from a meeting with a local traditional ruler to inform him of his political ambitions for the upcoming election.
Ajaka recounted the ordeal to reporters on Saturday night, stating that the attack was orchestrated and supervised by a prominent politician who allegedly opened fire on him and his convoy. He disclosed that seven individuals sustained injuries during the attack and are currently receiving medical treatment at an undisclosed hospital.
“My name is Yakubu Murtala Ajaka. I am the governorship candidate of the SDP in Kogi State. I left Abuja this morning to consult with party leaders and important stakeholders in Kogi State. Our journey was initially peaceful, but as we were nearing Koton Karfe, I noticed the presence of the Commissioner of Solid Minerals, Bashir Gebu, whom I recognized and decided to exchange greetings with,” Ajaka explained.
He continued, “Around five minutes after departing from them, two cars suddenly overtook my vehicle, aggressively swerving on the road. Initially, I assumed they were my supporters, but before I knew it, gunshots began to ring out. My vehicle was directly targeted, along with five other cars in my convoy. The only reason I survived was that I was traveling in an armored vehicle.”
Ajaka revealed that he had received prior information regarding the politician’s alleged plot to assassinate him. In response, he had lodged formal complaints with various authorities, including former President Muhammadu Buhari, the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), the Inspector-General of Police, and the National Intelligence Agency (NIA).
“I met with the former President and lodged my complaint. He advised me to submit a written petition, which I promptly did. I wrote petitions to the former President, the DSS Director-General, the Inspector-General of Police, and the NIA. Therefore, today’s incident does not come as a complete surprise to me, as it aligns with their premeditated plans,” Ajaka asserted.
He further stated that he had formally reported the assassination attempt to the Commissioner of Police, and had also informed the Inspector-General of Police, who referred him back to the Commissioner. Ajaka confirmed that his legal team was in contact with the State Police Command to ensure that the incident is appropriately documented.
The shocking attack on Murtala Ajaka has sent shockwaves throughout Kogi State, raising concerns about the safety of political candidates in the upcoming election. The authorities have been urged to conduct a thorough investigation and ensure the perpetrators face the full force of the law.