It has been 48 years since the tragic assassination of General Murtala Mohammed, who was fatally shot while traveling in his unarmored Mercedes-Benz W115 limousine. This event left an indelible mark on Nigerian history, prompting significant changes in presidential security protocols.
The Mercedes limousine, bearing the scars of the attack with over 20 bullet holes, stands today as a solemn reminder of that fateful day at the National Museum. Remarkably, it draws in approximately 2000 visitors each month, intrigued by its chilling history.
General Murtala Mohammed’s untimely demise occurred during a tumultuous period in Nigeria’s political landscape amidst a failed coup attempt led by Bukar Suka Dimka on February 13, 1976.
Despite his relatively short tenure as Head of State, lasting only seven months, General Murtala preferred to travel with minimal security measures, a decision that unfortunately made him vulnerable to his assailants.
The ambush on Murtala’s black, unarmored Mercedes-Benz 230.6 (W114) limousine as he made his way to Dodan Barracks in Lagos remains etched in the collective memory of the nation. His sole protection, a pistol carried by his orderly, proved insufficient in the face of the orchestrated attack.
Today, the bullet-riddled vehicle serves as a somber exhibit, allowing visitors to witness firsthand the tangible consequences of political instability.
The haunting presence of the bullet holes, some of which are prominently displayed in video footage captured by tourists, serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of power and the cost of inadequate security measures.
The assassination of General Murtala Mohammed sparked a paradigm shift in presidential security protocols, prompting subsequent leaders to prioritize the use of armored vehicles for official travel.
From his immediate successor, Olusegun Obasanjo, to the incumbent President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, armored vehicles have become a standard feature of presidential motorcades, underscoring the enduring legacy of a leader whose tragic end reshaped the nation’s approach to security.
