The Deputy Spokesperson of the House of Representatives, Hon. Philip Agbese, narrowly evaded an assassination attempt on Thursday during a constituency outreach event in Igumale, Benue State.
Representing the Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency, Agbese was targeted by assailants, but swift intervention from the ‘Operation Whirlwind’ military operation prevented the attack from succeeding.
Reports indicate that the assailants’ plans were thwarted by the timely arrival of the Nigerian Armed Forces, who are currently on a peacekeeping mission in the area.
Several suspects have been apprehended by the military, and they are providing crucial information about the attempted assassination.
“I am in shock! I am in a great shock!! I can’t talk to you right now, please,” the APC federal lawmaker told a Daily Independent reporter when contacted.
However, his media aide, Mr. Lawrence Oduh, confirmed the attack, revealing that preliminary investigations have implicated individuals allegedly connected to the Ado Local Government Council Chairman, Hon. Agbese Charles Onazi, and Deputy Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly, Hon. (Mrs.) Lami Danladi Ogenyi.
According to Oduh, the suspects have pointed to a possible collaboration between the assailants and individuals linked to the local government, suggesting a targeted attack orchestrated by hoodlums aligned with the Ado Local Government Caretaker Chairman.
“Hoodlums suspected to be aligned with the Ado Local Government Caretaker Chairman, Agbese Onazi, allegedly orchestrated the sinister plot in what appears to be a targeted attack,” he disclosed.
