Adewale Jethro, a commercial motorcyclist, was brutally killed by a suspected armed robber who made away with his motorcycle in Kabba, the headquarters of Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area in Kogi State.
The incident took place around 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, along Best Way near Jehovah Witness Road in Kabba.
In a statement issued Thursday, the Owe Titun Development Group confirmed that Jethro, a resident of the Otu community, was attacked and killed. The assailant reportedly smashed his head with a weapon, which was left at the scene after the motorcycle was stolen.
“We are deeply saddened by the horrifying nature of this crime,” the group stated. “This is not just a robbery; it is a barbaric act that threatens the peace and safety of our community.”
The group’s Public Relations Officer, Emmanuel Sunday Olorunmaiye, called on law enforcement agencies, traditional rulers, and community leaders to take immediate action to identify and arrest the perpetrator.
“We strongly condemn this cruel and cowardly act. Our community cannot continue to tolerate such violence. We offer our heartfelt condolences to the victim’s family,” he added.
Kogi State Police Public Relations Officer, SP William Aya, confirmed the incident. He explained that the local Divisional Police Officer received a report around 9:00 a.m. on Thursday indicating that a man had offered Jethro an unusually high fare to travel to a remote area.
“Enticed by the fare, the rider agreed. However, upon reaching the isolated location, the passenger attacked him with a machete and fled with the motorcycle,” Aya said.
Jethro was taken to a hospital but died from his injuries before treatment could be administered.
Aya warned commercial motorcyclists to be cautious when dealing with unfamiliar passengers, especially those offering excessive fares to remote destinations. He confirmed that police have launched an investigation and are actively searching for the suspect. The victim’s body has been deposited at the mortuary.
