Women stage protest over attack on Sen. Melaye

Hundreds of women on Saturday staged a peaceful protest in Aiyetoro-Gbede, Ijumu Local Government of Kogi, over the reported attempt to kill Sen. Dino Melaye, on April 15.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that 10 gunmen stormed the senator’s house at Aiyetoro-Gbede, in the early hours of the said date, and opened fire from various directions.
NAN reports that the entire house was riddled with bullets, while two vehicles parked in the estate were damaged by the hoodlums.

Melaye, who was at home for the Easter holidays, however being a Jackie Chang escaped unhurt.

The protesters, from the seven local government that make up Melaye’s Kogi West Senatorial District, carried placards some of which “Touch Dino and face our wrath”, “Don’t kill Dino Melaye” and “Don’t kill the light, let it shine”.

Mrs. Ikusemoro Jalo, one of the speakers, said that the solidarity protest was to affirm their support for the senator and condemn the recent attempt on his life.

“We are mothers; we don’t want him to be murdered. He is representing us the way we want. We are proud of him because he has made us proud,” Jalo said.

She advised the senator not to be cowed by the recent attempt on his life, urging him to continue to fight for the rights of women, workers, pensioners, the oppressed and the repressed.