Nigerian lawmaker, Prince Henry Odianosen Okojie has narrowly escaped an assassination attempt.
The lawmaker who is married to Nollywood actress, Mercy Johnson represents the Esan North-East/Esan South-East Federal Constituency in Edo State.
He was reportedly assaulted by armed individuals believed to be political thugs at his home in Uromi on Friday morning.
The incident comes barely 24 hours into the governorship election in Edo State.
Michael Ihaza, Okojie’s media aide, confirmed this incident in an official statement made available to newsmen.
The statement indicated that the assailants arrived at the lawmaker’s residence in a Lexus GX 470 with a Rivers State vehicle registration number – PHC 253 FF.
It further noted that the assassination attempt was thwarted due to the prompt intervention of security personnel assigned to the lawmaker.
“The armed thugs who disguised as police officers along with two others, invaded the residence of Hon. Okojie, claimed to be on appointment and proceeded to the seating room.
“Following the intervention of the security personnel attached to the lawmaker, two of the armed thugs fled leaving behind the driver and another who are currently being interrogated by officers from the Area Command of the Nigeria Police Force, Uromi.
“The suspects have so far made a confessional statement stating that they were sent on the mission by People’s Democratic Party (PDP) leaders in Esan North East Local Government Area,” the statement added.
However, the Edo State Command of the Nigeria Police Force has yet to issue any official statement regarding the assassination attempt.
