Governor Tanko Al-Makura of Nasarawa State has alleged a plot to assassinate him and his elder brother, Ahmadu, who is the Emir of Kwandere.
Reacting to the alleged assassination attempt on his brother, Friday evening, by gunmen at the Emir’s home in Lafia, Mr. Al-Makura said that there have been several of such attempts on him and his brother in the last one year.
“I don’t want to sound as an alarmist on issues that are either personal or not requiring state attention, but in the past one year only God knows the amount of incursion and attempt on our lives and people of the state,” he said.
He said his brother had become vulnerable since he (Mr. Al-Makura) became governor because with every failed attempt on him, his brother, the Emir, became the next target.
Governor Al-Makura also said that those behind the Friday attempt on his elder brother were not armed robbers but rather assassins with a mission to eliminate the Emir.
“They couldn’t have been armed robbers because they didn’t ask anybody anything. They did not even enter the house because he was in the mosque. All they were asking was, “Where is Sarkin?” Only God saved him as they couldn’t see him but he was watching them,” the governor narrated. “Nobody was killed so it was an assassination attempt and we will not leave any stone unturned. We will ensure a full investigation.”
He also urged federal government to improve security in areas where they were serious challenges.
“I am calling on the federal government to step up efforts with regards to issues relating to security especially in areas where there are security challenges,” Mr. Al-Makura said.
He lamented that those behind the killing of over 50 security operatives in Alakyo village, Lafia were still walking the streets without any serious action from security agencies.
Mr. Al-Makura explained that state governments have limits to what they can do with regards to security. He noted that there was still confusion in the state.
“The state is still in confusion because even with the perpetuation of criminality by the militants at Alakyo, nothing seems to be happening (to stem it.)”
He added that the alleged assassination attempt on his elder brother could be an indication of worse things to come.