Prominent businessman others killed, kidnapped in highway attack in Kogi

Vehicle in which the prominent businessman was killed.

SOME gunmen suspected to be kidnappers on Wednesday morning in Gegu, along Abuja highway, killed several persons including a prominent businessman in Kogi State, Mr Nicholas Ofodile, who owns the popular Chucks Supermarket in Lokoja.

Nigerian Tribune reliably gathered that the incident occurred at about 6.30 am when a Luxury bus with a plate number that was removed, and other vehicles travelling along Abuja- Lokoja were attacked by gunmen at Gegu, in Kogi local government council, killing several people and kidnapped other persons.

An eyewitnesses account disclosed further that as the vehicles were approaching, the suspected kidnappers numbering over 15 barricaded the road and opened fire on the incoming vehicles, making some vehicles lost control.

The witness further said that several people were killed and kidnapped, while some people were injured during the gun attack. He added that most people kidnapped were in the Luxury vehicle.

Meanwhile, the Kogi State Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Commission, Mr Emmmanuel Abe, who confirmed the story, said his men were on ground to take rescued those that were injured to the hospital and evacuate the dead bodies and also to avoid traffic jam along the road.

Mr Nicholas Ofodile, who owns the popular Chucks Supermarket, who was in his Lexus Jeep with registration number LKJ 658 PU was killed on the spot.

Also confirming the report, the Public Relations Officer, Kogi State police command, DSP Williams Aya, said two persons lost their lives including a prominent businessman in Kogi State, Mr Nicholas Ofodile.

He noted that the state Commissioner of Police, CP Ayuba Ede has drafted some armed security men to the area, saying they were yet to get full details.

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