Few hours after Kogi state governor Alhaji Yahaya Bello was declared as governor- elect by Independent National INEC, crises erupted at Ochadamu in Ofu local government area of the state that led to the death of the Woman Leader of Wada/Aro Campaign Council Mrs Acheju Abuh on Monday.
Confirming the incident through a statement, the Police Public Relation Officer, Kogi state Command, Mr William Ayah, said on November 18 at about 4:30pm, one Musa Etu of Ochadamu, Ofu local government council reported at the police station that, at about 10:30am of same date, there was a misunderstanding between one Awolu Zekeri aged 35-year-old member of APC and one Gowon Simeon a member of PDP both of Ochadamu.
He added that in the process Gowon Simeon stabbed Awolu Zekeri with a knife on his Lap and he died on his way to the Hospital.
The statement said, “As a result, angry youths in the area mobilised to the house of one Simeon Abuh of same address who is an uncle to the suspect, set it a blazed, 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 investigation is ongoing.
Earlier, in a statement issued by the Spokesman, Head Communications Wada/Aro Campaign Council, Mr Faruk Adejoh-Audu, and made available to newsmen in Lokoja, Monday, alleged that jubilant Bello supporters and thugs that were celebrating their victory , chanting GYB 4+4, were shooting sporadically before they arrived at Mrs Abuh’s house at about 2pm Monday.
He alleged that the thugs invaded the house and pour petrol on the building and set it ablaze while effort made Mrs Abuh’s to escape proved abortive due to the metal burglary proof and gun shots with bullets raining in her direction.
“We are calling on all men of good conscience to immediately help the people of Kogi State appeal to the Inspector General of Police to rein in Bello’s thugs and protect our people whose only crime was that they voted for their choice, a vote that was never allowed to count.
“Unless Nigerians of Good conscience immediately come to our aid innocent people may die worse agonizing deaths as the blood lust of Mr Bello and his supporters continue” he added.
Condemning the incident, Governor Bello’s Spokesman, Kingsley Fanwo, expressed disappointment over the “mindless attacks by rival parties in Ochadamu”, saying anyone who breaks the law would be punished regardless of party affiliations.
The spokesman made this known while reacting to the “disturbing attacks and clashes in Ofu LGA”.
He said, “We feel disturbed at reports of violence in Ochadamu that has led to loss of lives and property in the community.
“It was reported that a supporter of the All Progressives Congress was stabbed to death while party members were jubilating over the outcome of the Governorship election.
“The reprisal attack 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.”
