Lawmaker Escapes Assassination Attempt

By Iyojo Ameh

The Deputy Spokesperson of the Nigerian House of Representatives, Hon. Philip Agbese, narrowly escaped an assassination attempt on Thursday in Igumale, the headquarters of Ado Local Government Area in Benue State.

The attack occurred during a constituency outreach organized for the Easter celebration.

The timely intervention of the ‘Operation Whirlwind’ military operation, deployed for peacekeeping in the area, prevented the assailants from carrying out their sinister plot.

Several suspects have been apprehended, providing crucial information during preliminary investigations.

Hon. Agbese, visibly shaken by the incident, declined to comment extensively, expressing shock over the event.

According to Oduh, the suspects implicated Ado Local Government Council Chairman, Hon. Agbese Charles Onazi, and Deputy Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly, Hon. (Mrs.) Lami Danladi Ogenyi, during interrogation.

Allegations suggest that the attack may have been orchestrated by hoodlums aligned with the Ado Local Government Caretaker Chairman.

Furthermore, suspicions were raised as one of the culprits was found in possession of Hon. Mrs. Ogenyi’s official vehicle, raising questions about her involvement in the attempted assassination.

As of the time of reporting, there has been no official statement from the military operations in Benue State or the Army authorities.

Also efforts to reach the Deputy Speaker of the Benue House of Assembly, Hon. Mrs. Lami Ogenyi, for comments proved futile.

Although our correspondent contacted Council Chairman Onazi, he abruptly ended the call, citing ongoing discussions with a security advisor to Governor Hyacinth Alia.

Despite assurances to call back, Onazi’s phone remained switched off throughout the night, leaving questions unanswered regarding the motive and those responsible for the attack.