Thugs Burn Kogi PDP Women Leader

Suspected political thugs have set ablaze Mrs Salomi Acheju Abu, the Women Leader of PDP’s Wada/Aro Campaign Council while in her home at Ochadamu in Ofu local government area of Kogi state following last Saturday’s governorship election in the state. The woman was burnt on Monday afternoon by suspected thugs alleged to be loyal to the ruling party in the state.The politician’s remains, which were burnt beyond recognition, had been taken to a mortuary for autopsy, Mr Aya said.“It was a very unfortunate incident and the commissioner has ordered a thorough investigation to ensure that all those involved do not escape justice,” the police spokesperson said.Mr Aya, a deputy police superintendent, said a preliminary police investigation of what led to Ms Abuh’s killing showed that it was a reprisal attack for the killing of an APC supporter in the community.“There was a misunderstanding between Gowon Simeon and Awolu Zakari, both members of the community,” Mr Aya said. “Mr Simeon stabbed Mr Zakari in the chest and he bled to death almost instantly.”The officer said Mr Simeon was a known PDP supporter in the community, while Mr Zakari identified with the APC.After Mr Zakari was confirmed dead by a medical doctor, his associates gathered for a reprisal attack against Mr Simeon.“They arrived at his uncle’s house where they believed he was hiding and set it on fire,” Mr Aya said.“Unfortunately Ms Abuh was sleeping inside the house and she was burnt alive,” the officer said.The suspected thugs were said to have prevented locals from coming to the rescue of the woman as they shot sporadically to scare people away and kept watch until the building had been razed. She reportedly attempted to escape through a window but was prevented by the metal burglary proof and gun shots with bullets raining in her direction.Mr Ologbondiyan mourned Ms Abuh as a courageous woman who was driven by her conviction.“As a woman leader, she dedicated her life to the success of the party,” Mr Ologbondiyan said. “She was killed for a cause that she believed in.”“We caution Governor Bello to rein in his thugs and stop the mindless killing that engulfed the state throughout the campaign,” he added. Source: Truenews