How I Escaped Assassination Attempt, By Ex-Rep Aspirant Oyekunle

2023 House of Representatives aspirant under the All Progressives Congress (APC) for Irewole/Isokan/Ayedaade federal constituency of Osun State, Hon Ibraheem Bolarinwa Oyekunle, has shared his experience over an alleged assassination attempt on his life.

Oyekunle said the incident happened on Friday, April 4, 2025, in Abuja.

In a statement he personally signed and made available to LEADERSHIP, he revealed that on that fateful day, he was driving home from the Airport Road towards Lugbe in Abuja and stopped at Gosa Market along the airport road to buy fruits and farm produce from local traders.

The statement read; “While shopping, I noticed an ash-coloured Toyota Corolla parked across the road with its number plates covered by plastic material. This caught my attention. A group of men stepped out of the vehicle—some stayed by the car, while one walked toward me. He passed by closely, but I initially thought they might be targeting the traders, not me.

“After finishing my purchases, I started walking back to my car. Then I heard a shout: “Surrender yourself!” I turned and saw four men pointing guns at me. Looking ahead, another man from the same group stood in front of me, also aiming a gun at my head.

“Acting on instinct, I charged at the man in front of me and knocked him down. This seemed to throw the others off, and they started shooting. Every shot was aimed at my head, which makes me believe this was no random attack—it was a calculated attempt to kill me.

“I managed to escape by running in the same direction as the fleeing traders. When the attackers saw I was out of their grasp, they got back into their car and drove off.

“During the chaos, I was injured—a bullet grazed my head, and I sustained wounds to my leg. I was taken to Sauka Divine Hospital, where doctors stitched my head wound and treated my leg. Later, I was moved to the Nigerian AirForce Hospital (NAF Base), Abuja for further care and have since been discharged.

“What disturbs me most is that the attackers never asked for money, my car, or anything else. Their only demand was for me to “surrender myself.” This tells me their goal was not robbery but something far more deliberate and dangerous.”

Oyekunle called on the Inspector-General of Police and all relevant security agencies to investigate the attack thoroughly and perpetrators held accountable. “I want to know why this happened. This incident raises serious questions about safety—not just for me, but for everyone.

“I thank God for protecting me that night. This experience has shaken me, but it won’t stop me from serving the people of Irewole/Isokan/Ayedaade. I remain committed to our shared goals. Still, we need better security in this country, and this attack proves it.

“I am grateful to the staff at Sauka Divine Hospital and the Nigerian AirForce Hospital (NAF Base), Abuja for their quick and skilled care. I also appreciate the traders and bystanders who helped me after the attack. To my constituents and supporters, I want you to know I’m recovering and still determined to work for you. This incident should remind us all to stand united against violence and insecurity,” he added.