Hoodlums Allegedly Shot Journalist To Death In Kogi

Hoodlums have reportedly shot dead a journalist in Lokoja, the capital city of Kogi State.

According to reports, the victim, Emmanuel Adeyemi who is identified as a staff with the Sun Newspaper was gunned down while heading to the Nigerian Union of Journalist Secretariat.

Confirming the incident when contacted by reporters, the state Police Public Relations Officer, William Aya, claimed that Adeyemi was shot by hoodlums who were scaring people away in other to be able to loot a warehouse discovered in the area.

Naija News learnt that the sporadic shooters also gunned down another yet to be identified passerby during the incident that claimed the journalist’s life. According to reports, the passerby was just arrived from Benue State and got caught up in the chaos.

The Lokoja incident followed the resumption of looting in another warehouse in Zone 8 area of Kogi State, Naija News understands. It was confirmed that a similar event was recorded overnight in the state when the ADP warehouse was invaded.

It was reported that bags of fertilizer were carted away by the hoodlums who were shooting sporadically in the air while all shops along the Murtala Mohammed way, Lokoja are closed, with people scampering to safety.

Aya while responding to the incidents, insisted that the shootings were not from the Police, adding that the hoodlums are being trailed and would be brought to book shortly.

He, however, confirmed that the victims have been taken to State Specialists Hospital, Lokoja for treatment.

On his part, while reacting to the development, the state Commissioner for Information, Kingsley Fanwo, in a statement made available to newsmen a few moments ago said, “It is unfortunate that sponsored mercenaries were sneaked into the town to cause mayhem. And it is sad that they shot a journalist who was performing his legitimate duties.”

“Government will ensure that all the people involved in the violence are brought to book”.

In another news, Chief Of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai on Monday, October 26 held a meeting with Principal Staff Officers and top army commanders.

The meeting which is being held at the Army Headquarters in Abuja is said to be in relation to the security situation in the country, Naija News reports.