The word on the streets of Idah is that the inexplicable killing of a Saudi Arabia-based Nigeria, Ogacheko Atanu, mowed down by alleged assassins bullets is that he did not come through on a deal, but Police have opened investigations but are keeping sealed lips on details of what they for now.
It was gathered that a female friend who was with him when he was shot dead has answered questions from police detectives. Her name was not given, though one source said she was his fiancee.
Atanu was killed on the eve of his departure from Idah, the ancient headquarters of the Igala-speaking people of Nigeria.
Police spokesman in Kogi State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Ovye William told Nigeria Everyday that investigations are on, confirming that a female friend was there when he was shot. He would not give more details.
Earlier media reports said William simply told journalists, “The security man of the deceased reported to Idah Police division today at 05:00hours that masked men numbering about four entered the compound of the deceased through the fence.
“They told the security man to open the gate while the deceased was relaxing with his friend inside the compound. The gunmen told them to lie down. They later told the owner of the house to stand up and they shot him. His body has been moved to the mortuary for autopsy and effort is being intensified to get the perpetrators of this evil”.
But his elder brother, Ukubile Atanu, a teacher in the Art and Design Department, Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja, said “when they (gunmen) entered his compound about 11p.m. on Saturday, they told him to say his last prayers before they killed him.
“He told them that he would give them money, for them to spare his life, but they turned down the offer. That was how he was shot repeatedly. They didn’t touch the gateman.”
“I must tell you, this is another black day in our family. Those behind this evil act must be brought to book”, Ukubile added.
Atanu is survived by four children, his aged mother, and siblings.