A Kabba motorcycle rider, Adewale Jethro, was brutally hacked to death by a suspected robber who stole his commercial motorcycle. Police confirm investigations are underway into the tragic incident in Kogi State

A tragic incident has shaken the community of Kabba, Kogi State, after a middle-aged Kabba motorcycle rider, Adewale Jethro, was brutally hacked to death by a suspected armed robber who stole his commercial motorcycle.

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The horrifying event occurred on Wednesday night along Best Way Road, leaving residents in shock and mourning.

Jethro had picked up a passenger who requested to be taken to a remote location. It was at this isolated spot that the assailant attacked him, fatally wounding him before fleeing with his motorcycle.

Emmanuel Olorunmaiye, spokesperson for the Owe Titun Development, a local community association, issued a statement on Thursday confirming the theft of Jethro’s motorcycle and the discovery of the weapon used to shatter his head and skull at the scene.

The group expressed their profound condolences and vehemently condemned the act, describing it as a “barbaric violation of human dignity” and a significant threat to the community’s peace.

“We strongly condemn this wicked and cowardly act, and we are calling on the security agencies, traditional rulers, elders, and all stakeholders to rise up now and take concrete steps to prevent further bloodshed in our land,” the statement read in part. “We can no longer remain silent while evil men steal lives and peace from our midst.”

The Owe Titun Development group further extended its heartfelt condolences to Jethro’s family, saying, “May God grant you strength and comfort during this painful time. As a platform committed to unity and safety, Owe Titún Development stands with you.”

When contacted, the spokesperson for the state police command, William Aya, confirmed the incident on Thursday. He explained that the Divisional Police Officer in the area reported that around 9:00 p.m. on Wednesday, a man had flagged down a commercial motorcycle rider, promising an unusually high fare to a remote location.

“The Okada man agreed, probably because of the promise of a higher pay. On getting to a lonely place, the passenger macheted the bike man and vanished with the motorcycle,” Aya stated.

The victim was rushed to the hospital but tragically died before receiving help. His body has since been deposited in the mortuary. Aya assured the public that an investigation has commenced into Jethro’s death, and efforts are underway to apprehend the fleeing suspect.

The police command has also issued an urgent advisory to commercial motorcycle operators, urging them to exercise extreme caution and be wary of passengers offering unusually high payments to be taken to isolated areas.