The life of a former chairman of Katsina Ala and Ukum local government areas of Benue State, Elder Washima Erukaa, has been put to an end by yet-to-be-identified kidnappers.
The gunmen were said to have kidnapped the former Chairman, aged 80 from his home in Zakibiam, Ukum LGA, on September 23, 2023.
However, the news of his killing was confirmed by a family source who said the kidnappers had communicated Erukaa’s passing to his family and said they have since buried him.
According to the source, “One of the abductors informed a member of the family that Erukaa died while in captivity and had been buried.”
Earlier, the abductors had asked the victim’s family to pay the sum of N12 million ransom for his release.
“They subsequently reduced their demand to N5 million, but tragically, his life was taken before the ransom could be paid,” the source added.
As of the time of filing this report, the police spokesperson, SP Catherine Anene, has not responded to calls to confirm the development.
In a separate development, a boat carrying over 100 passengers capsized mid water at Benue river on Saturday.
The boat was ferrying traders, women and children who were heading for Binnari town in Karim-Lamido local government area of the state.
Many of the passengers were returning from Mayoreneyo fish market in Ardo-Kola local government area.
A source explained that the boat left Mayoreneyo local jetty at about 3.30pm and capsized 40 minutes later.
He explained that the ill-fated boat had earlier conveyed passengers from Binnari to Mayoreneyo.
According to him, “As l am talking to you now, only bodies of two persons were recovered by local divers.”
He stated that none of the passengers had life jacket when the incident occurred.
Acting Chairman of Inland Water Transporters in Taraba State, Jidda Mayoreneyo, said about 15 bodies were recovered close to the scene.
The Chairman, Caretaker Committee of Ardo-Kola, Alhaji Dalhatu Kawu, while confirming the incident, described it as tragic.
The Police spokesman in Taraba, SP Abdullahi Usman, said he was yet to receia ve report of the incident.