By Noah Ocheni, Lokoja
The Kogi State Police Command on Thursday confirmed the gruesome murder of a commercial motorcycle rider, Adewale Jethro, in Otu community, Kabba.
The middle-aged rider, popularly known as an Okada operator, was reportedly attacked and killed by a suspected armed robber who made away with his motorcycle.
Spokesperson for the command, SP William Aya, disclosed that the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in the area received a report at about 9:00 a.m. concerning the incident. According to the report, the suspect had flagged down the victim and lured him with the promise of an unusually high fare to a remote location.
“On getting to a deserted area, the assailant allegedly attacked the victim with a machete, inflicted fatal injuries, and fled with the motorcycle,” Aya said.
The victim was rushed to a nearby hospital but was confirmed dead on arrival.
SP Aya warned commercial motorcyclists to exercise caution and avoid taking passengers to isolated areas, regardless of financial incentives. He also confirmed that an investigation is ongoing and efforts are underway to apprehend the suspect.
The body of the deceased has since been deposited at the mortuary.
Community Reacts
Meanwhile, the leadership of Owe Titún Development, a local socio-cultural group, condemned the killing in a strongly worded statement issued earlier on Thursday.
The statement, signed by the group’s Public Relations Officer, Emmanuel Sunday Olorunmaiye, described the act as “brutal and senseless.”
“It is with deep sorrow and grave concern that we, the members and leadership of Owe Titún Development, react to the brutal and senseless murder of Mr. Adewale Jethro, a resident of Otu Community, which occurred last night along Best Way, near Jehovah’s Witness Road in Kabba, around 8:30 p.m.,” the statement read.
According to the group, the murder weapon was found at the scene, and Jethro’s head and skull were reportedly shattered. “This is not just a crime; it is a barbaric violation of human dignity and a threat to the peace of our community,” the group stated.
They called on security agencies, traditional rulers, elders, and all relevant stakeholders to take decisive action to curb the rising wave of insecurity.
“We strongly condemn this wicked and cowardly act. We must rise up now and take concrete steps to prevent further bloodshed. We can no longer remain silent while evil men steal lives and peace from our midst,” the statement continued.
“Let this incident awaken us. Let it stir us to act. Let it move us toward true ‘Oneness of Mind’ in fighting insecurity.”
