The Deputy Spokesperson of the Nigerian House of Representatives, Hon. Philip Agbese who represents Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency of Benue State on Thursday allegedly escaped an assassination attempt.
He was attacked in Igumale, the headquarters of his local government area of Ado, during a constituency outreach organized to mark the Easter celebration, but was saved by personnel of ‘Operation Whirlwind’ of the Nigerian Armed Forces on a peacekeeping mission in the area.
An eyewitness said some of the suspects were said to have been arrested by the military operation and are currently giving useful information.
“Thanks to the swift response of security operatives at the scene; the lawmaker managed to evade harm, averting a potential tragedy.
“Several of the suspected perpetrators were promptly apprehended, shedding light on the disturbing chain of events.”
The Federal lawmaker who was unable to make serious comments on the incident said: “I am in shock. I am in a great shock. I can’t talk to you right now, please.”
Mr. Lawrence Oduh, Media Aide to Agbese, confirmed the attack, adding that the arrested suspects have also made striking revelations to the military during the preliminary investigation witnessed by the locals.
The suspects, according to Oduh, allegedly fingered Ado Local Government Council Chairman, Hon. Agbese Charles Onazi, and the Deputy Speaker, Benue State House of Assembly, Hon. (Mrs.) Lami Danladi Ogenyi during the interrogation.
When contacted the Council Chairman, Onazi who promised to call back switched off his cell phone up until the time of this report.
“Sorry, you just intercepted my call with the security advisor to the governor. We are online talking.
“His phone just tripped off. I want to brief him on the matter. I’ll finish with him and call you back.
“Please, let me call you back. Just give me, like five minutes, please”, Onazi said.
As of the time of filing this report Friday morning, no official comment has come from the military operations in Benue State.
Recall that the crisis has engulfed the Benue State ruling party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) since Governor Hyacinth Alia took over the affairs of the State, with members of the National Assembly Caucus from the state at the forefront.
Agbese, who is the spokesperson of the caucus, was seen in December 2023, removing the portrait of Governor Alia from his office in the National Assembly, a move which did not go down well with the state government and some stakeholders of the party.
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