An aspirant for Ankpa II Constituency House of Assembly race, Sumaila Muhammed Attah Enjema, popularly known as Echoga, has escaped what has been described as an assassination attempt in Lokoja, Kogi State capital.
The attempt on Enjema reportedly happened on Tuesday at Halims Hotel Lokoja, where stakeholders of the party were meeting to decide a consensus candidate for ahead of the primary election.
According to eye witness reports, the aspirant was nearly shot at close range by a suspected gunman identified as “Achiever Bobby,” alleged to be an aide to a lawmaker.
The situation, the eye witness narrated, could have turned fatal but for the vigilance of a police escort attached to the venue, who noticed suspicious movements and intervened at a critical moment.
“It was the intervention of the police officer on duty that saved him. The suspect had already pointed a rifle at Echoga before he was stopped,” one of the sources said.
The development reportedly caused confusion at the venue, with attendees scampering for safety as security operatives moved swiftly to contain the situation.
Sources further disclosed that three suspects were arrested at the scene. They were identified as Bobby Achiever, Obobo 7 from Anyigba, and Ododo Mohammed from Ankpa.
The suspects were reportedly taken into police custody in Lokoja, where they are currently being interrogated.
“They are with the police now and statements are being taken from them,” another source confirmed. “When the police searched Bobby’s car they recovered an axe, guns, and cutlasses.”
While the motive behind the alleged attack remains unclear, sources linked the incident to rising political tension within the APC over the selection of a consensus candidate for the Ankpa II Assembly seat.
There are also allegations that some party members are attempting to suppress information about the incident.
“Some people in APC Kogi are already trying to cover up the matter so it doesn’t bring a bad image to the party, but the truth is already out,” a source alleged.
Efforts to get official confirmation from the Kogi State Police Command and the APC leadership in the state were not successful as of the time of filing this report.
The incident has, however, heightened concerns over political violence and internal wrangling within political parties ahead of upcoming elections in the state.
Updated: Enjema’s Account
In Lokoja today, in accordance with the provisions of our great party, the APC, and in the presence of our esteemed stakeholders from Ankpa, I officially declared my intention to represent the good people of Ankpa II in the Kogi State House of Assembly in 2027.
It was a profound moment in my political career, the first official step toward actualizing our shared dream.
While the meeting was proceeding smoothly and stakeholder endorsements were tilting in my favor, certain hired miscreants attempted to disrupt the procession. Their calculated attempt to cause me harm ultimately proved futile.
It is on this note that I would like to reiterate that democracy must be practiced freely and without interference.
No intimidation, threat, or act of violence can distract us from the journey we have just begun. Attempting to attack an opponent is not only an admission of impending defeat but a blatant act of cowardice.
We shall ensure that the thugs apprehended by the police are fully investigated and face the legal consequences of their actions.
It is the right of every constituent to contest and test their popularity at the polls, I fully intend to exercise that constitutional right.
To my teeming supporters, especially the youth: I assure you that the Echoga Movement remains unshakeable and unbowed.
To those who have reached out through various means, please know that I am safe. I deeply appreciate your genuine concern.
