Senator Dino Melaye of Kogi West Senatorial District has accused the administrator of Ijumu, his Local Government Mr. Taofiq Isah of plotting to kill him. The Senator raised the alarm Saturday morning and alleged that he narrowly escaped death the previous night when some gunmen visited his country home in Aiyetoro Gbede and shot thorough out the night.
Narrating his ordeal, Dino said the assailants came in some minutes after 12 midnight and started shooting sporadically into his building. He said the shooting continued intermittently for more than one hour during which two of his vehicles (security ar and caravan) were destroyed.
Dino alleged that Taofiq who doubles as ALGON chairman and a strong defender of the state Governor, Alh. Yahaya Bello must have organized the plot on the directive of Governor Bello. because of his criticism of the state government.
“I got a rousy welcome from Kabba to my home town 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 gunshot. They fired more than 200 rounds of bullet into the house. This attempt to kill me will not stop me from speaking the truth.
“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.
“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. Beside, those assailants when leaving were chanting ‘We will know if its Taofiq that owns the land or you.
“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. Noting will stop me from coming home.”
Dino also said he suspect some collaboration with Police division of Aiyetoro Gbede whom he said did not come to his house until three hours after the hoodlums had left despite being a stone thrown from his house., “The DPO did not come to my house until three hours later. Even the area commands 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”.
However, Taofiq denied being involved in the assassination attempt saying he had been busy attending to his sick wife.
Taofiq challenged Dino to prove his allegations, “I’ve never been a violent man. My running battle with Dino if any is because I have asked him to stop vilifying the state governor, Yahaya Bello.
“Let him (Dino) prove it. I lost my uncle a week ago, I’m still attending to my sick wife and busy supervising the APC re- registration programs. I’m a democrat and law abiding. I challenge Dino to prove his case.”
The state Police Public Relation Officer, William Aya who confirmed the story said the DCP Crime is already mandated to investigate the matter.