The Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Okene, Rt. Rev. Emmanuel Onsachi has given insight into the foiled assassination attempt on a priest, Revd. Isaac Bello of St Paul’s Anglican Church, Ege in Adavi Local Government Area of Kogi State.
In a press release on Thursday, Bishop Onsachi narrated that the incident occurred while the victim, Bello, was preparing to host fellow priests for a Diocesan Mission Outreach at Uruvochinomi, a negbouring community to Ege.
He quoted eye witness reports stating that three suspected assassins launched the vicious attack on the priest with apparent intention of abducting him.
“In the course of the attack, Revd. Isaac Bello sustained serious injuries, including a deep stab wound to the middle of his head and a knife cut on one of his fingers. Despite the severity of the assault, his desperate cries for help attracted the attention of courageous neighbours and community members who immediately mobilized and confronted the assailants.
“The swift and brave intervention of the residents disrupted the operation of the assassins. While two of the suspects reportedly escaped from the scene, one of them was successfully apprehended by members of the community.
“Reports indicate that the arrested suspect was wearing a vest laden with various charms and amulets. Eyewitnesses stated that it was only after these charms were removed that the suspect began to feel the impact of the restraint and beating he received from those who apprehended him.
“To ensure that the suspect remained alive and stable for proper interrogation by security authorities, he was initially taken to Abdulsalam Hospital, Nagazi, in Adavi Local Government Area for medical attention. Thereafter, he was transferred to the Police Station in Ogaminana, where he is currently being interrogated by law enforcement agencies.
“The Diocese has observed with keen interest the numerous videos and reports circulating on social media platforms, particularly Facebook, documenting events from the scene of the incident to the arrest of the suspect. Some of these reports suggest that the apprehended suspect made certain disclosures, including mentioning the name of an individual allegedly connected to the criminal mission. While these claims have generated considerable public interest, the Diocese wishes to state categorically that it remains committed to due process and the rule of law,” the Bishop stated.
The Diocesan, while calling for justice and thorough investigation of the matter by relevant authorities, urged the public to refrain from speculation and allow security agencies to carry out a thorough and professional investigation.
“Nevertheless, the Diocese wishes to make it abundantly clear that we shall not relent in our pursuit of truth and justice until the root causes and masterminds behind this heinous act are uncovered. We are closely monitoring developments and expect the relevant security authorities to pursue every lead that may emerge from the ongoing investigation.
“We also wish to use this medium to express our profound appreciation to the Executive Governor of Kogi State, His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, for his unwavering commitment to the security of lives and property across the state. His administration has continued to work tirelessly to rid Kogi State of kidnappers, bandits, hired assassins and other criminal elements whose activities threaten the peace and progress of our communities.
“It is our prayer that Almighty God will continue to strengthen, guide, and protect His Excellency and all security personnel working diligently to combat insecurity in our dear state until lasting victory is achieved.
“The Diocese further notes with deep concern that the Christian community, particularly in Kogi Central, has over the years faced recurring security challenges, resulting in the loss of lives and untold trauma to families and congregations. The addition of this latest incident to the growing list of attacks against innocent worshippers and clergy is both painful and unacceptable.
“Our earnest desire is to see all individuals connected with this attempted assassination identified, apprehended, prosecuted, and made to face the full weight of the law. Such decisive action will not only deliver justice in this case but also serve as a deterrent to others who may harbour similar criminal intentions.”
