The Ejeh of Ankpa and Chairman, Ankpa Area Traditional Council in Kogi State, Alhaji Ahmadu Yakubu on Thursday, narrowly escaped assassination by gunmen.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the alleged assassination attempt occurred at Eti-Aja Eid prayer ground in Ankpa, where the traditional ruler, in company of other Muslims, went to perform the Eid-el-Kabir prayer.

Narrating his ordeal to news men shortly after his escape, the traditional ruler said that the gunmen numbering about nine were armed with guns and other weapons.

The traditional ruler said that the gunmen attempted to attack him as worshipers dispersed but his guards, who had accompanied him to the prayer ground, quickly shielded him and warded off the suspects.

Yakubu expressed gratitude to God for saving his life, saying that although he was aware that hoodlums in the town had been plotting his downfall, he did not know they would go that extreme.

He said he had openly condemned the escalating criminal and secret cult activities in the town, adding that criminals among the youth were giving Ankpa a bad name.

“We are not bad people; we will continue to fight them; we will cooperate with security agencies to flush them out and bring them to book; we will not allow them to overrun Ankpa.”

Also speaking with news men on the incident, Alhaji Ibrahim Abagwu, a senior government official at Ankpa Local Government Area, condemned the assassination attempt.

“It was in view of the escalating criminal and cult activities that we imposed a 7p.m. to 6a.m. curfew, to restrict movement of people. Now that they are after the Ejeh, I hope the security agents will be more serious.”

He called on security agencies to ensure that the curfew was observed, to enable the arrest and prosecution of hoodlums.

When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer for Kogi command, William Aya (ASP), said the command was yet to be briefed by the Ankpa Division of the command. (NAN)

•Photo shows Bullet Target