Governor Bello condemns murder of union leader

Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello has condemned the gruesome murder of the Chairman of the Non Academic Staff Union of Secondary Schools, Science and Technology Education Board, Mr. Abdulmumini Yakubu and one other in Ozuwaya, Okene Local Government of the state.

In a statement issued in Lokoja on Thursday, Novermber 2, 2017 by the governor's Special Adviser on Security, Jerry Omodara, he described the murder of Mr. Yakubu alongside one Ibrahim Otaru, who reportedly came to discuss some community issues with him, as further proof of the culture of violence and the systemic decimation of law abiding citizens by the enemies of peace in the state and called on security agencies to rise to the occasion and apprehend the killers.

"It is lamentable that in spite of what we are doing to make Kogi State safe and secure, some bad eggs still take pride in the unenviable record of being one of the most violent in the country.

"This latest gruesome murder of Mr. Yakubu has again confirmed the reign of politics of intolerance, banditry and assassinations which our government has sworn to wipe out," the statement said.

The governor said his administration is determined to fight against impunity to deter further crimes, uphold the rule of law and protect public trust in the justice system.

He described the late Yakubu as an exceptionally brilliant, humble, forthright and focused personality who spent almost his entire life for the good of humanity.

"He was a dogged union leader who contributed immensely to the welfare of his members in the promotion of robust labour relations between his union and the state government as well as a trusted community leader who gave total support to government's war against bandits and hoodlums in Kogi central and the state at large."

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Governor Bello described his death as a huge loss not only to his family and the organised labour, but to the state government, noting that his advice at various times on labour related issues as well as security in the Central Senatorial district were invaluable.

While reiterating his commitment to work with security agencies to bring those responsible for his murder to justice, the governor prayed that God will give the families of the deceased and the organised labour the fortitude to bear the loss.