Speaker, lawmakers escape death as thugs take over Kogi Assembly

No sooner than the house convened for the day’s plenary session than thugs numbering over 100 arrived in three Hilux vans and rushed into the chamber beating members. Armed policemen stationed at Kogi State Assembly Complex looked helpless as hundreds of thugs invaded Assembly chambers. As journalists arrived the Assembly premises Tuesday morning, the environment looked tense with stern looking armed policemen covering the length and breadth of the premises. The ADC to Governor Yahaya Bello was at the gate discussing with some policemen. Kogi Police Commissioner, Wilson Inalegwu, was also on ground, told journalists he was there to ensure there is no breach of law. A Sienna bus belonging to Hon. Abdullahi Bello Balogun of Ajaokuta was positioned to block the gate. Security Adviser to Kogi State Governor, Navy Commander Jerry Omodara (rtd), Administrators of Okene, Adavi were also on ground. The plenary started shortly afterwards but was disrupted by thugs who chased lawmakers and people at the gallery out of the chambers. Speaker Imam Umar Ahmed and his security aides ran helter skelter to find their way out of the assembly that was surrounded by thugs. Member representing Igalamela-Odolu apparently the target and his aides were attacked. He was billed to resume after being cleared by the court from six months suspension. The thugs moved unchecked by the armed policemen present. Some of the boys left in Kogi State Government House car marked KGGH 128 (an ash colour Toyota Camry muscle). The thugs were also seen filming the beating as security personnel attached to the house watched helplessly while the commotion lasted. Journalists watching proceedings from the gallery scampered for safety with some scaling the fence of the Assembly complex. Meanwhile, the state Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello has condemned the assembly invasion, saying that his administration will not condone any act of thuggery. He added that anyone caught would be made to face the full weight of law. Speaking through his Director General, Media and Publicity, Kingsley Fanwo, the Governor ordered his security adviser, Commander Jerry Omodara (retd), to liaise with security operatives to ensure that perpetrators were brought to book.]]>