Breaking: Former Governorship Candidate Narrowly Escapes Assassination as Details Emerge
- Dr Sani Abdullahi Shinkafi, ex-Zamfara APC governorship candidate, narrowly escaped an ambush in Abuja by armed masked gunmen
- Shinkafi linked the attack to his outspoken stance on national security and opposition to ransom payments for kidnapping victims
- He reported the incident to security agencies, urging swift action to apprehend the assailants and protect outspoken citizens
FCT, Abuja - Dr Sani Abdullahi Shinkafi, former governorship candidate in Zamfara state and a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), narrowly escaped assassination on Friday, August 15, in Abuja after armed men attacked his convoy.
Shinkafi, also the Executive Director of Patriots for the Advancement of Peace and Social Development, recounted that his vehicle was ambushed by masked gunmen dressed in black, armed with heavy weapons, and driving an unregistered black Prado Jeep.
Source: Facebook
Attack linked to outspoken positions, says Shinkafi
Speaking on the attack as reported by the Independent, Shinkaf said:
“My life was threatened today when some persons dressed in black, wearing masks and carrying big guns blocked and attacked my car after Friday Mosque prayers in Abuja and zoomed off,” Shinkafi said.
He alleged that the attack was connected to his “bold, principled and patriotic” stance on national security, particularly his vocal opposition to ransom payments for kidnapping victims in Zamfara State.
Security agencies alerted
Source: Getty Images
Shinkafi confirmed that he had reported the incident to relevant security agencies, urging authorities to take swift action to apprehend the assailants and prevent further attempts on his life.
“I call on the government and security agencies to ensure those behind this attack are brought to justice. No one should threaten citizens for speaking truth to power,” he added.
The incident has raised concerns over the safety of political figures and activists in the country, especially those outspoken on issues of national security and anti-kidnapping advocacy, Vanguard reported.
Kaduna senator escapes assassination
In another development, Legit.ng had reported that Kaduna Central senator, Lawal Usman, reportedly escaped an assassination attempt on Wednesday, January 1, 2025, while visiting his constituency for the New Year celebration.
The incident occurred in the Kawu area of Kaduna North Local Government, where the senator, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), was allegedly attacked by assailants. The senator first made this revelation in a post via Facebook.
Witnesses reported that the attackers pelted Usman’s convoy with stones and bottles as it passed through the area amid claims of unhappiness with his leadership.
Women lead protest in Zamfara over insecurity
Legit.ng earlier reported that hundreds of protesters, predominantly elderly women and nursing mothers from Jimrawa village in Kaura Namoda Local Government Area of Zamfara State, staged a peaceful demonstration in Gusau, the state capital, demanding urgent government action over escalating insecurity.
The protest, which took place at the Zamfara Government House, followed a similar demonstration two weeks earlier by residents of Gusau LGA.
Those earlier protests were triggered by relentless bandit attacks that reportedly claimed over 100 lives in villages including Mada, Ruwan Bore, Fegin Baza, Lilo, and Bangi.
Source: Legit.ng
