Concerns over alleged assassination attempt on Lt Yerima

Expert suspect Third Force

By Samuel Ogunsona

Reports at the weekend alleged assassination attempt on Lt Ahmed Yerima, the naval officer who had a brawl with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, (FCT) Nyesom Wike.

Irohinoodua heard from sources within the military that Yerima’s life was put in danger on Sunday evening when unidentified men allegedly trailed him in two unmarked Hilux vans.

The incident occurred around 6:30 pm, sources said with the suspects trailing Yerima from the NIPCO Filling Station along the Line Expressway down to Gado Nasco Way.

The reason behind the alleged assassination attempt remains unclear, but the development has raised concerns in the public.

The source revealed that the matter is currently under investigation and is being treated with utmost seriousness.

However, further details are being withheld to avoid compromising the investigation process.

But a security expert who does not wish to be named told Irohinoodua that if the attempt is true, it may not be unconnected with what he called “a third force within the system.”

He said the attempt might be a plot to destabilize he country and blackmail the Federal Government.

“From my experience in security matters,some people may want to exploit the brawl between Wike and Yerima to blackmail the President and the FCT Minister.

He said “I don’t see the Government going after Yerima. In the context for power and the hatred some people have for President Tinubu for his transformation and the fact that Wike being the FCT Minister picked from the South is hated for that reason.They may hide under the Yerima brawl to create more give the Government a bad image.”

The alleged assassination attempt comes barely a week after Yerima’s highly publicized confrontation with Wike over a disputed land site in Gaduwa District.

The FCT Minister had led a team of officials to the land, which is claimed to be owned by former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo. However, Yerima and his team intervened, denying Wike access to the site.

The confrontation escalated into a heated exchange, with a viral video capturing a visibly angry Wike verbally assaulting Yerima, calling him a ‘fool’.

The background to the controversy reveals a complex web of illicit land ownership and power play, with Yerima’s actions being seen as a challenge to Wike’s authority. Some observers also question the rationale behind the deployment of Yerima to preserve a private property by a retired Naval officer.

The naval officer’s stance has been supported by some, who see him as a man standing up for his rights and following the order of his superior officer.

On the other hand, Wike’s supporters argue that the minister was simply trying to assert his authority as the FCT Minister.

As investigation into the assassination attempt continues, many are calling for calm and restraint.

The development has raised concerns about the safety of military personnel and the need for a thorough investigation to uncover the truth behind the alleged attempt on Yerima’s life.