Kidnapped Kogi Councillor Confirmed Dead

A serving councillor representing Ogugu Ward III in Olamaboro Local Government Area of Kogi State, Rosemary Aduku, has died after spending days in the hands of her abductors.

Her death was announced on Friday by the Chairman of Olamaboro Local Government Area, Dr Ameh Williams, in a statement issued on behalf of the Olamaboro Executive Council.

Aduku was reportedly kidnapped on October 1, 2026.

Details surrounding her death, including whether any ransom was demanded or paid, were not immediately available as of the time of filing this report.

In the announcement, Williams expressed sadness over the death of the councillor, popularly known as Hon. Rosella among her colleagues, describing her as a humble, dependable and caring person who was committed to the happiness of those around her.

The council chairman said her death was a painful loss to the Olamaboro Legislative Council, the local government executive, her family and the entire Ogugu community.

The statement read, “It is with deep sorrow we announce the sudden demise of our dear sister and colleague Hon. Mrs Rosemary Aduku, the Honorable Councilor representing the good people of Ogugu Ward 3 in the 8 Olamaboro Legislative Council.”

Williams said the late councillor was widely appreciated by her colleagues and members of the local government executive for her character and relationship with others.

“Hon. Rosella as she is profoundly called among her colleagues in the council and members of the Olamaboro Executive Council has been a wonderful soul and down to earth.

“She has been a reliable fellow whose idea is to make everyone around her happy. Though your life was short lived but we will definitely take solace in your legacies and testimonies we have received since your demise,” the statement added.

The chairman also offered prayers for her family, colleagues and constituents as they come to terms with the loss.

“At this point we pray that God Almighty continue to rest your soul, grant your entire family, members of the Olamaboro 8 Legislative Council, members of Olamaboro Executive Council and the entire Ogugu district the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss,” Williams said.

The local government announced that her burial was scheduled for 1pm on Friday at her family compound in Ogugu Centre.

It also invited members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to attend the burial and join others in paying their last respects to the deceased councillor.

The incident also comes shortly after the reported abduction and subsequent rescue of 20 prospective National Youth Service Corps members in Imo State, although the circumstances of the two incidents are different.

The prospective corps members were abducted on October 1 while travelling from Ibadan, Oyo State, to Bende in Abia State and Uyo in Akwa Ibom State. They were travelling in two buses when gunmen reportedly intercepted them at Ogbaku in Mbaitoli Local Government Area of Imo State, along the Owerri-Onitsha Expressway.

The Nigeria Police Force later confirmed that the 20 victims were rescued on October 7 at Amakohia Ubi Village in Imo State following search-and-rescue operations involving other security agencies.

Following their release, some relatives disclosed that they had paid millions of naira in ransom to secure the freedom of their loved ones. One mother said she paid N3 million, while the father of another victim said his family raised N6 million for his son’s release.

The police said the rescued victims were taken for medical assessment and necessary care, adding that efforts were continuing to apprehend those responsible for their abduction.

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