List: Nigerian Governors who have had Life-Threatening Encounters with Insurgents
The activities of Boko Haram insurgents and armed bandits know no bounds, social class, or political affiliation as long as Nigeria is concerned. The criminals attack anyone whom they deem as threats to their evil cause.
PAY ATTENTION: Join Legit.ng Telegram channel! Never miss important updates!
In recent times, even governors, mostly from the northern region, who before now have been seen as untouchable when it comes to insecurity are now victims of terrorist attacks.
Legit.ng in this piece brings a list of governors who have suffered such an ugly fate at the hands of men of the underworld.
1. Governor Bello Matawalle (Zamfara)
The convoy of Governor Bello Matawalle of Zamfara was attacked on Sunday, June 3, 2019, on his way to condole with victims of the Boko Haram invasion in Gusau local government area.
An eyewitness said the insurgents took advantage of the bushy atmosphere and opened fire on the governor's motorcade.
2. Governor Babagana Zulum (Borno)
In an attack on Governor Babgana Zulum's convoy in September 2020, at least 10 policemen and four other persons were killed.
The operation was carried out by the notorious terrorists who before the time had threatened the governor more than once.
However, the ambush of the insurgents was caught short when troops of the Nigerian Army intervened.
3. Former Governor Kashim Shettima (Borno)
On his way to a campaign rally in Gamboru-Ngala on Wednesday, February 13, 2019, a former governor of Borno, Kashim Shettima was attacked by insurgents, luckily for him, he escaped.
4. Former Governor George Akume (Benue)
Back in March 3, 2004, a gang of armed criminals opened fire on the convoy of a former Benue governor, George Akume, and killed one of his aides.
Source: Twitter
At the time, it was not certain if this was a robbery attempt or an effort to assassinate the then governor.
5. Governor Samuel Ortom (Benue)
The most recent is the case of Governor Samuel Ortom whose convoy was attacked on Saturday, March 20, by bandits on his farmland.
PAY ATTENTION: Install our latest app for Android, read the best news on Nigeria’s #1 news app
Governor Ortom who confirmed the development said he had to run on foot for more than one kilometre and admitted that the gunmen could have killed him if not for the intervention of security operatives.
Meanwhile, bandits killed several people in Zamfara after deadly attacks on six villages in the state.
Jamilu Magaji, the press secretary to the state governor, in a statement disclosed that the attacks were carried out in two local government areas (LGAs) of the state on Friday, March 12.
Onyirioha Nnamdi is a graduate of Literature and English Language at the University of Lagos. He is a Politics/Current Affairs Editor who writes on news and political topics for Legit.ng. He brings into his reporting a wealth of experience in creative and analytical writing. Nnamdi has a major interest in local and global politics.
Source: Legit.ng
