Unknown gunmen on Thursday struck at the Royal Garden Relaxation Spot, along the Anyigba-Ankpa highway in Egume, Dekina LGA, Kogi State, killing one Anthony Monday and abducting three others.
According to an eyewitness, customers at the relaxation spot ran in different direction as the gunmen who were allegedly dressed in Fulani attire stormed the area, shooting sporadically into the air.
It was gathered that the deceased also made to escape the ensuing melee before he was hit by a bullet, while a friend who shared the same table with him and others was also shot, and now receiving treatment in a hospital around the area.
The Nation gathered that the 18-month old son of the outlet’s manager and a yet-to-be identified lady were among those abducted.
The late Monday was said to be a brother to the manager.
Security sources said that the incident which occurred around 8.30pm on Thursday left Monday, a cashew dealer from Ate-Iji in Anyigba dead.
Another source added that before the arrival of policemen at the scene, the attackers had left with their victims with Monday lying dead on the floor.
Barely 12 hours after the incident, the abductors it was gathered started making their demand for ransom.
The National President, Egume Ome Descendants Union (EODU), Alhaji Muhammed Lawal Ibrahim expressed shock over the ugly incident.
He appealed to the police to ensure that the perpetrators are apprehended and punished accordingly, to serve as a deterrent to others.
He enjoined the people of the area to remain calm and go about their normal businesses, assuring them that efforts were being put in place by the law enforcement agents to protect lives and property in the community.
Confirming the incident, the Kogi State Commissioner of Police (CP), Ede Ayuba 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 be more observant and to 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.
The CP reiterated the command’s commitment to the guarantee of the security of lives and property in the state, adding that operatives have been deployed to the area, “to hunt for the hoodlums and to ensure they are arrested and made to face the full wrath of the law.”
