Police arrest 4 suspects in plot to attack Atiku Abubakar

Former Vice President and presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, narrowly escaped a potential attack on his life, as the police in Yola, the Adamawa State capital, arrested four individuals suspected of plotting a coordinated assault.

The suspects reportedly confessed to their involvement in a grand plan to plant bombs at the Modibbo Adama Central Mosque, Atiku’s residence, and the American University in Yola.

The incident came to light on Sunday, 23 July 2023, at approximately 9:44 pm when a man was apprehended while attempting to confirm the location of His Excellency Atiku Abubakar’s residence in Yola.

Security operatives quickly intervened, and the suspect, identified as 29-year-old Jubrila Mohammed, was subsequently handed over to the police.

According to the police interrogation, Jubrila Mohammed confessed to being a member of the notorious Boko Haram terrorist group, hailing from Damboa in Borno State.

Shockingly, he disclosed that he and his accomplices had planned to launch attacks on locations associated with Atiku Abubakar and other sensitive sites within Yola.

Reacting to the alarming development, Atiku Abubakar’s media aide, Paul Ibe, issued a statement conveying the seriousness of the situation. Atiku commended the police for their swift action in apprehending the suspects and expressed gratitude for averting a potential catastrophe. He urged other security agencies to remain vigilant in the face of the ongoing investigation.

In a separate statement, PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, Hon. Debo Ologunagba, highlighted the party’s concerns regarding the attack plot.

The PDP firmly believes that the assailants were acting on the orders of forces unsettled by Atiku’s legal pursuit to reclaim his mandate at the Presidential Election Petition Court (PEPC).

The PDP raised questions about possible connections between the foiled attack and recent threats made by the All Progressives Congress (APC) regarding potential chaos and anarchy in the country should the PEPC uphold the provisions of Section 134 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) on the declaration of a presidential election winner.

In light of the gravity and possible implications of the attempted attack, the PDP called on the Inspector General of Police to diligently track down the sponsors of the assailants and hold them accountable.

The party insisted that the federal government must ensure the perpetrators and their backers face justice to safeguard the nation’s security, unity, and well-being.

The foiled attack has raised concerns about potential attempts to instigate insecurity in Adamawa State, Atiku Abubakar’s home state, as a pretext for imposing a state of emergency across the entire country.

The collaborative efforts of vigilant citizens in Yola and the swift response of security agencies played a crucial role in thwarting the attack. The authorities have initiated a thorough investigation to unravel the motives and identities of those behind the sinister plot.

In light of this alarming incident, Nigerians are urged to remain calm and vigilant, supporting the ongoing investigation as the nation seeks to maintain peace and stability.

The government and security agencies are expected to prioritize the case to ensure justice is served and to prevent any potential escalation of violence or security threats.