Gunmen storm Kogi relaxation spot, kill one, kidnap three

The Kogi State Police Command has confirmed the killing of one person while three others were kidnapped by yet to be identified gunmen.

The Commissioner of police Ayuba Ede who confirmed the incident said the gunmen struck on Thursday at the Royal Garden Relaxation spot, along Ayingba – Ankpa Highway, Egume community, in the Eastern flank of the state.

Ekpeji, said, “I received a report from Egume Division, that three unknown armed men attacked Royal Garden Relaxation Spot shooting sporadically.

“Immediately, the DPO mobilized operatives to the scene where he met one yet to be identified body lying in a pool of his blood. My men moved him to the hospital where he was confirmed dead. The body was deposited at the hospital for autopsy.”

He advised members of the public to sharpens their power of observation and always report promptly any suspicious movement, objects as well as activities of criminal elements within their neighborhood to the Police or any other security agencies in the State.

Earlier, an eye witness had alleged that the gunmen, dressed in Fulani attires took the open area of the Royal Garden by storm where people were relaxing and started shooting indiscriminately as customers scampered for safety.

It was gathered that the deceased was allegedly trying to escape before he was shot dead, while one of his friends who was sharing the same table with him also received a gunshot. He is receiving treatment in one of the hospitals in the area.

He identified the deceased as Anthony Monday.

He said the hotel manager’s 18-month-old son, a brother to the late Monday, and one lady were among those kidnapped by the gunmen.

The source said the kidnappers had left the hotel before the arrival of the police.

The kidnappers, it was learnt had contacted the toddler’s parents whom they said had been restless. Punch