By Our Reporter
A Nigerian Navy officer, Lt. A.M. Yerima, on Sunday escaped an alleged assassination attempt in Abuja, days after his confrontation with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
Military sources told Vanguard that Yarima was trailed by unidentified men dressed in black and riding in two unmarked Hilux vans. The vehicles reportedly followed him from the NIPCO Filling Station off the Line Expressway to Gado Nasco Way around 6:30 p.m.
Sensing danger, the officer was said to have carried out a “strategic manoeuvre” that enabled him to evade the suspected assailants. The incident is currently under investigation.
The development follows a heated confrontation between Lt. Yerima and the FCT Minister over a disputed land site in Gaduwa District. The encounter, captured on video, drew widespread public reactions and led the Presidency to halt the demolition exercise at the location.
Military veterans across the country have since condemned Wike for verbally insulting the officer, opposing any disciplinary action against Yarima and demanding an apology from the minister.
Spokesman for the Coalition of Retired Veterans, Abiodun Durowaiye-Herberts, warned that members would occupy the minister’s office and residence if the officer was punished, insisting that the military’s loyalty is to the nation, not individual officials.
Minister of Defence Mohammad Badaru Abubakar has assured that no officer acting lawfully will be sanctioned, saying: “We will always protect officers and armed forces personnel on lawful duty.”