In a shocking development, Senator Dino Melaye, on Saturday escaped an attempt to assassinate
him, as unknown gunmen attacked his home in Ayetoro-Gbede, Ijumu local
government area of Kogi State.
Reported by The Nigerian Tribune, the assailants invaded Melaye’s residence at about 12am.
They began to shoot sporadically into the building for over an hour, leaving two vehicles parked within the premises damaged.
Melaye has accused the chairman of the local government, Taofiq Isa, of being behind the attack.
“I got a rousy welcome from Kabba to my hometown yesterday (Friday)
and I know it angered the power that be in the state which mobilised for
this assassination attempt on my life.
“At about midnight we started hearing gunshots. They fired more than
200 rounds of bullet into the house. This attempt to kill me will not
stop me from speaking the truth.
“This attempt is being championed by the chairman of my local
government. He had said it many times that he will do everything to stop
me from coming home. Besides, those assailants when leaving were
chanting ‘We will know if it’s Taofiq that owns the land or you’.“If I
speak the truth I will die, if I lie I will die. Me, I’ve decided to
speak the truth and die. I’m not afraid of death. I only respect men I
don’t fear them.
“I am championing an administrative course. I will continue to speak
and be voice to the voiceless. I’m not deterred, I remain resolute to
make Kogi better. Nothing will stop me from coming home,” he told
newsmen.
Melaye also said that the police only showed up three hours after the
assailants left, despite being a stone throw from the house.
“The DPO did not come to my house until three hours later. Even the
area command in Kabba was not notified until I called the CP. I suspect a
satanic collabo between Taofiq and the police in Aiyetoro because the
duo had a meeting two days ago.
“Only God will protect us in this country but definitely not the police,” he added.
Meanwhile, the state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), William Aya, says investigations into the incident have begun.