Kogi Governor, Yahaya Bello, attacked in Lokoja

Some aggrieved residents on Friday stoned Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello, as he emerged from a mosque where he observed Jumat prayer in Lokoja, the state capital, Premium Times learnt. It is not immediately clear why the residents carried out the attack against Mr. Bello, but witnesses said the incident occurred at the Lokoja Central Mosque in the old market area of the capital.

A source who confirmed the development to this newspaper said the disgruntled persons also carried few placards while chanting anti-government slogans. The source also said Mr. Bello was pelted with rotten fruits and vegetables. The police dispersed the crowd with teargas soon afterwards, the source said.

“The situation in this state is even worse than what the residents are doing. The situation is pathetic,” the source said. An official in the state said that was the second time in two weeks the governor would be so attacked as complaints mount about the depreciating living conditions in the state.

“He recently attended an event in Ankpa, and residents there defied heavy security to stone him,” the official said. “We don’tunderstand what’s going on.”  Kogi State Government spokespersons, Kingsley Fanwo and Gbenga Olorunpomi, could not be reached for comment for this reports.