Shinkafi Seeks Police, DSS To Probe Assassination Attempt
A former Zamfara governorship candidate and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr Sani Abdullahi Shinkafi, has called on Nigeria’s security agencies to investigate an alleged assassination attempt on his life in Abuja.
Shinkafi said the incident occurred on Friday, 15 August, shortly after he left mosque prayers.
According to him, armed men dressed in black and wearing masks attacked his vehicle before speeding off in a black Prado Jeep without number plates.
In a statement on Saturday, the politician, who also serves as Executive Director of the Patriots for the Advancement of Peace and Social Development, urged the Inspector-General of Police and the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS) to launch a thorough investigation.
“My life was threatened when some persons blocked and attacked my car after Friday prayers in Abuja. I appeal to the IGP and the DG DSS to investigate this unprovoked attempt and bring those behind it to justice,” he said.
The APC chieftain suggested that the attack may be linked to his outspoken stance on national security, particularly his calls for families of kidnapped victims not to pay ransom.
He argued that ransom payments only enable bandits to acquire more sophisticated weapons.
Shinkafi said the attack was a violation of his constitutional rights, including the right to life, dignity, liberty, privacy and freedom of expression, which he exercises in media engagements and public advocacy.
He recalled that notorious bandit leader Turji Bello had previously threatened him after his public comments urging military action in the North West and stronger measures against kidnappers.
Despite the threats, Shinkafi reaffirmed his commitment to peace and social development, stressing that Nigeria’s unity and stability must come before partisan interests.
