Some suspected terrorists on Wednesday attacked and killed the traditional ruler of the Elepe, Ohi-Ogidi Chief Ojo Olayinka, in the Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State.
The traditional ruler was killed in his farm.
It was learnt that the corpse of the monarch was seen by his people on his farm after they waited for his return but he did not show up at home. The state government has confirmed the tragic incident in a statement issued on Wednesday by Kingsley Femi Fanwo, the state Commissioner for Information and Communications.
The state government described the traditional ruler’s death as barbaric and vowed to bring the killers to justice.
The statement reads: “In as much as this may not bring back our beloved citizen who was murdered, it will reinforce the trust of our citizens in the security architecture of the state. We cannot afford to relapse into a state of insecurity.
“We urge the people of Ogidi and Ijumu Local Government Area to remain calm and not take the laws into their hands, no matter the level of provocation, as the state apparatus is strong enough to defend and secure the lives of our people and bring antisocial elements to book.
“The people should remain vigilant and volunteer useful intelligence to security agencies and community leaders.
“Our hearts and thoughts are with the immediate family of the deceased, the Ogidi community, the people of Ijumu Local Government Area, and indeed the traditional institution. May the souls of the departed rest in peace.
“The administration of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo will remain committed to the security of lives and property and will make life unbearable for criminals in the state.”
Chief Ojo Olayinka is the fourth traditional ruler killed by non-state actors in Nigeria within the last two weeks.
Two traditional rulers in Ekiti State and one from Kwara State were killed by gunmen who invaded their respective communities.