[Mhiz Rebecca]

A report by Nigerian Tribune claims that Senator
Dino Melaye escaped an assassination attempt on
his life early this morning, Saturday, April 15.
According to the report, Senator Melaye was
attacked in his residence at Ayetoro-Gbede, Ijumu
local government area of Kogi state.
After the rain of bullet that lasted over one hour,
two of the vehicles parked within the premises
were damaged, while part of the building was also
destroyed.
Speaking to journalists after the incident, Melaye
said the assailants came in some minutes after 12
midnight and started shooting indiscriminately into
his building.
According to him, the hoodlums shot at intervals
with little break for more than one hour where two
vehicles, a security van and caravan bus were
destroyed.
The senator however accused chairman of the local
government, Taofiq Isa, of masterminding the
attack because of his criticism of the state
government.
His words: “I got a rousy welcome from Kabba to my
home town yesterday (Friday) and I know it angered the
powers 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 it’s 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.”
Melaye also said accused the police in the area of
conspiracy, alleging that they failed to come to his
house until three hours after the assailants had left
despite their station being a stone thrown from his
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.
In a swift reaction, the local government chairman
denied the allegations made by Senator Melaye.
He said he had no hand in the alleged attack on the
senator, and had never been a violent person.
His words: “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.”
Meanwhile, NAIJ.com gathered that the state Police
Public Relations Officer (PPRO), William Aya, said
the command had already commenced investigation
into the issue.
Dino has been having a running battle with the
governor of Kogi state, Alhaji Yahaya Bello ever
since the due had a political disagreement.