By Sodiq Omolaoye, Abuja

A former House of Representatives aspirant under the All Progressives Congress (APC), Ibraheem Bolarinwa Oyekunle, has called on the Inspector-General of Police to investigate an alleged assassination attempt on his life which occurred in Abuja earlier this month.

Oyekunle, who aspired to represent Irewole/Isokan/Ayedaade Federal Constituency of Osun in the 2023 general election, said the incident took place on Friday, April 4, 2025, along Airport Road in the Federal Capital Territory.

Narrating his ordeal in a statement in Abuja on Wednesday, Oyekunle said he had stopped at Gwosa Market to buy fruits when he noticed a suspicious ash-coloured Toyota Corolla with its number plates concealed.

According to Oyekunle, as he made his way back to his car, four armed men confronted him and shouted for him to surrender.

He said another man reportedly positioned himself in front of him, pointing a firearm at his head.

Oyekunle said: “That evening, I was driving home from the airport towards Lugbe and stopped at Gwosa Market along the airport road to buy fruits and farm produce from local traders. 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 Air Force 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 a robbery but something far more deliberate and dangerous.

The politician called on the Inspector-General of Police and other security agencies to investigate the incident and bring the perpetrators to justice.

He also expressed gratitude to medical personnel and civilians who came to his aid, vowing that the attack would not deter him from serving the people of his constituency.

“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 said.