In a disturbing incident, a group of suspected political thugs allegedly affiliated with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kogi State descended upon the residence of Sheik Ibrahim Jibrin, the Director-General of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) Campaign Council.
The pre-dawn attack, which occurred on Tuesday at approximately 6 a.m. in Anyigba, resulted in the tragic deaths of a police officer named Atabor and four other individuals.
SaharaReporters revealed that the assailants, described as a “rogue force,” reportedly organized by Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello, targeted the SDP Campaign Council leader’s home.
The perpetrators also absconded with the lifeless body of Officer Atabor and several others believed to be on duty as security personnel.
A press release issued by Faruk Adejoh-Audu, the spokesperson for the Muri/Sam Gubernatorial Campaign of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), expressed grave concerns about the situation.
He asserted that the “rogue force” was allegedly assembled with the involvement of Kogi State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Bertrand Unuoha, acting on behalf of the governor.
According to Adejoh-Audu, “A rogue force made up of thugs led by one Friday Makama, officially declared wanted by a Federal High Court, one Supol Ojo of the Lokoja Mopol office, and navy mercenaries led by N.U Akalezi of the Nigerian Navy killed the police guard, Officer Atabor, at about 6:00 am this morning.”
READ: Haaland Sets Sights on Ronaldo’s Record
The assailants reportedly consisted of DSS operatives contributed by Deputy Director-General of the Service, who is acting in a lower capacity as director, Mr. Tosin Ajayi. The attack lasted for over an hour, during which several individuals were shot, and Officer Atabor was fatally wounded on the spot.
The assailants forcibly entered Sheikh’s residence by breaking down the gate, using an Armored Personnel Carrier (APC) before releasing the rogue force. This force opened fire indiscriminately, tragically claiming Officer Atabor’s life, while other guards sought refuge.
The attackers not only took away the body of Officer Atabor but also reportedly abducted approximately six other individuals, including four policemen believed to be on official duty. Concerns have also been raised about the potential abduction of Comrade I. D. Ijele, the Head of New Media for the SDP Campaign Council, who was last heard from at 6:00 am during the attack.
At the time of this statement, the rogue force remains at large in Anyigba, with the Armored Personnel Carrier (APC).
The incident raises alarm about the role of the police in Kogi State and their alleged involvement in electoral violence, reminiscent of the 2019 Governorship Elections when a helicopter was used to shoot at voters. It is feared that these actions are part of a broader strategy to suppress voter turnout in Kogi East, which is believed to be a stronghold of the SDP.
In light of these developments, the Muri/Sam Campaign Council is urgently calling on the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to reassign Commissioner Bertrand Unuoha due to concerns over his alleged participation in violent schemes orchestrated by Governor Bello. This, they argue, is essential to ensuring a free and fair election in Kogi State.