A former House of Representatives aspirant under the All Progressives Congress (APC), Ibraheem Bolarinwa Oyekunle, has called for an immediate investigation into what he described as an assassination attempt on his life in Abuja earlier this month.
Oyekunle, who contested the Irewole/Isokan/Ayedaade Federal Constituency seat in Osun State during the 2023 general elections, said the attack occurred on Friday, April 4, along Airport Road in the Federal Capital Territory.
In a statement issued over the weekend, Oyekunle narrated how the incident unfolded while he stopped at Gwosa Market to purchase fruits and farm produce.
“I noticed an ash-coloured Toyota Corolla with its number plates covered in plastic. A group of men stepped out—some remained by the vehicle while one approached me. I initially thought the target might be the traders,” he said.
Moments later, as he made his way back to his car, four armed men confronted him and ordered him to surrender.
“One blocked me from the front and pointed a gun at my head. I instinctively charged at him and knocked him to the ground. That threw the others off, and they opened fire. Every shot was aimed at my head. That’s when I realised this wasn’t a robbery—it was an attempt to kill me.”
Oyekunle managed to escape on foot, blending into the fleeing crowd of traders as the gunmen returned to their vehicle and sped off. He sustained a bullet graze to the head and leg injuries and was first treated at Sauka Divine Hospital before being transferred to the Nigerian Air Force Hospital in Abuja. He has since been discharged.
“What haunts me most is that they never asked for money, my vehicle, or any valuables. Their goal was simply to make me surrender. That speaks volumes,” he added.
He thanked the medical personnel and civilians who assisted him and reassured his supporters that the incident would not deter his political commitment.
“To my constituents and supporters, I’m recovering well and remain resolute. This should be a wake-up call for us all to stand united against violence and insecurity,” he said.
Oyekunle has appealed to the Inspector-General of Police and other relevant authorities to investigate the incident thoroughly and ensure those responsible are brought to justice.
