Media aide to Gov Wike escapes assassination attempt

Opunabo Inko-Tariah (right)

Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State, Mr Opunabo Nko-Tariah, Thursday night escaped assassination bid on his life.

The media aide who narrated the incident to newsmen in Port Harcourt yesterday said unknown gunmen opened fire on his vehicle with Registration number, Rivers 105 RVG at Israel Ama bridge, Buguma community in Asari Toru local government area.

Wondering how he escaped, the media aide, Mr Nko-Tariah said he still could not imagine how he survived the shooting, targeted at his vehicle.

He said the volleys of gunshots smashed one of the windscreens of the car, adding that while the shooting was on his Police escort told him not to stop which he did. He said at a point, the escort who was by his side in the vehicle had to quickly open his door and shot back at the assassins.

“I am still shocked over what happened. I was completely confused. The police escort told me not to stop the car and that I should continue to move on. It was God that save my life.

“They (gunmen) thought I was at the back of the car and that was why they targetted that point. With the tinted glasses, they had concluded that I was probably at the owner’s seat and they riddle the back side of the car with bullets.

“It was a close shave with death and I thank God for His divine intervention. I am a simple man; I don’t owe anybody and I am not covetous. So, why would somebody want to take my life,” , he said.