Abductors Kill Kogi Councillor After Week In Captivity

Suspected kidnappers have killed Hon. Rosemary Adukwu, councillor representing Ogugu Ward III in Olamaboro Local Government Area of Kogi State, days after abducting her while she travelled to Onitsha, Anambra State.

Adukwu was reportedly travelling to the market on September 30, 2026, when armed men intercepted the commercial vehicle she boarded around Oji River, near the boundary between Enugu and Anambra states.

The assailants allegedly dragged her out of the vehicle and took her to an undisclosed location in a forest. They reportedly left the other passengers unharmed.

Chairman of Olamaboro Local Government Area, Dr Ameh Williams, announced her death in a statement on Friday, saying the authorities confirmed it on Thursday while she remained in captivity.

“It is with deep sorrow that we announce the sudden demise of our dear sister and colleague, Hon. Mrs Rosemary Adukwu, the honourable councillor representing the good people of Ogugu Ward III in the eighth Olamaboro Legislative Council,” Williams said.

The circumstances surrounding her death have raised concerns among her relatives, who questioned why the kidnappers allegedly singled her out and failed to contact the family for ransom before her death.

A family source said Adukwu regularly travelled to Onitsha to restock her business and had contacted her usual driver before leaving for the trip.

“On the boundary between Enugu and Anambra states, precisely around Oji River, their vehicle ran into a barricade mounted by some people. Thereafter, the hoodlums dragged only her out of the vehicle and took her to an unknown destination. The other passengers continued their journey untouched,” the source said.

The family reportedly became worried when the abductors failed to make contact for almost a week. Relatives then contacted security operatives to help track her mobile phone.

The source said the family learnt of her death while tracing the phone number.

“On Thursday, a voice announced while receiving the call that the owner of the phone is dead,” the source added.

According to the family source, security operatives arrested the vehicle’s driver and the person who answered the call to Adukwu’s phone. Both were reportedly assisting investigators.

The President-General and National Executive of the Ogugu District Union (ODU), Deacon Samuel Ige Agada, condemned the abduction and killing, describing the incident as barbaric.

“Hon. Adukwu was a dedicated grassroots leader, a hardworking businesswoman and a devoted mother and wife who was only striving to earn a living for her family,” Agada said.

He described her death as a painful loss to her family and the wider community, including Ogugu Ward III, UBELE District, Ogugu Chiefdom and Olamaboro Local Government Area.

“We condemn this barbaric act in its totality,” he said.

Reports indicated that Adukwu was buried at about 1 p.m. on Friday at her family compound in Ogugu Centre.