Date Published: 11/14/11

Akwaya, Gov. Suswam's Aide shot in the head

Armed gunmen shot Dr. Cletus Akwaya, the Special Adviser to Benue State Governor on Media and Public Affairs, on the head on Saturday behind the NNPC mega filling station along Oturkpo Road Makurdi, Benue State.

Akwaya was said to have been shot on the head and arm while visiting a family member along with his wife. His wife was said to have escaped unhurt. He is currently receiving treatment at an unnamed hospital in Makurdi, the Benue State Capital.

Political tension has been on the increase in Benue State following the insistence by the Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, that the last April Governorship election was rigged by the peoples Democratic Party, PDP. 

Top ACN members have been killed in the political rivalry in the states and accusing fingers have been pointed to PDP members.

The latest onslaught on Dr. Akwaya, a PDP member and Governor Suswam's top Aide, according to sources, is a retaliatory attempt by the ACN who wants the election of Governor Suswam nullified on grounds of "massive rigging."