A prominent 60-year-old female politician was burnt to death in her home by rampaging political thugs, after the post-election violence that broke out between rival political groups in Kogi state on Monday.
The woman identified as Salome Abuh was on Monday afternoon killed by these angry political thugs who stormed her home in Ochadamu, Ofu Local Government Council in Kogi state.
Confirming the incident, the Kogi State Police Command Public Relation Officer, Mr Ovye William in a press statement, said “On 18/11/2019 at about 1630hrs, one Musa Etu of Ochadamu, Ofu Local Government Council reported at the Station that, at about 1030hrs of the same date, there was a misunderstanding between one Awolu Zekeri aged 35 years member of APC and one Gowon Simeon a member of PDP both of Ochadamu, in the process Gowon Simeon stabbed Awolu Zekeri with a knife on his lap, he died on his way to the Hospital.
“As a result, angry youths in the area mobilised to the house of one Simeon Abuh of the same address who is an uncle to the suspect, set it ablaze, thereby burnt one Salome Abuh, aged 60 years.
“Three other houses were equally burnt. The corpse has been moved to the University Teaching Hospital mortuary, Anyigba, for autopsy.”
According to him, the Police Mobile Force and Police Special Forces have been drafted to the area to prevent any breakdown of law and order as an investigation is ongoing.
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The Director-General, Media and Publicity to Kogi state governor, Mr Kingsley Fanwo, reacting to the incident expressed disappointment over the “mindless attacks by rival parties in Ochadamu,” saying “anyone who breaks the law will be punished regardless of party affiliations.”
He said: “We feel disturbed at reports of violence in Ochadamu that has led to the loss of lives and property in the community.
“It was reported that a supporter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) was stabbed to death while party members were jubilating over the outcome of the governorship election. The reprisal by alleged APC members which led to the death of an innocent woman is criminal and condemnable. Our government would not shield party members who break the laws of the land.
“His Excellency, Governor Yahaya Bello, has directed security agents to quell the rising tension and also ensure that perpetrators of the murder and arson are brought to book. The governor is elected to protect all Kogi people regardless of their ethnic or political beliefs.”
Fanwo said the State Security Adviser, Commander Jerry Omodara, has been given a marching order to ensure the crisis is brought to an immediate end.
He urged the people of the community to maintain peace as justice will surely be served.
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