A wave of shock and grief has swept through the town of Itobe, in Ofu local government area, following the reported assassination of Yakubu Bello Yerima, a well-known businessman and influential figure within state’s informal petroleum sector.
According to sources, Yerima was called out of his house in the New Layout area of Itobe last night. Sadly, his lifeless body was later found on the roadside, with severe injuries to his head and hand, and blood stains at the scene.
The remains was buried earlier today in Itobe, according to Islamic rites, without any autopsy or formal investigation.
The tragic news was first made public by Alhaji Ahmed Abdul Mumin, Aide-de-Camp (ADC) to the Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma. Posting on his verified Facebook page in the early hours of Saturday, the ADC revealed that Yerima’s death was not accidental, but rather the result of a targeted killing.
“I’m saddened to hear about the loss of one of our best in Itobe, a generous brother, Yakubu Bello Yerima. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, the Itobe Black Marketers Association, and the entire Itobe community,” the ADC wrote.
Quoting the Islamic verse traditionally recited in mourning — “Innā lillāhi wa innā ilayhi rājiʿūn” (Surely we belong to Allah, and to Him we shall return)” — Abdul Mumin offered prayers for Yerima’s soul and called for national attention.
In a strongly worded follow-up appeal, members of the community voiced their outrage, declaring unequivocally:
“The killing of Yakubu Bello Yerima was an act of murder — a direct assault on peace, justice, and humanity. We refuse to remain silent in the face of such brutality.”
The community went on to issue a firm and urgent call to law enforcement authorities, specifically directing their appeal to the Commissioner of Police in Lokoja, the capital of Kogi State.
“We are calling on the Commissioner of Police, Kogi State Command, and all relevant security agencies — including the DSS and Nigeria Police Headquarters — to treat this case with the urgency and seriousness it deserves. Justice must not be delayed.”
Yerima was widely known across Itobe for his generosity, community engagement, and quiet leadership. A core member of the Itobe Fuel Marketers Association, he was regarded as a “go-to” person for support, mentoring, and local dispute resolution.
His death has triggered anxiety and fear in the community, as residents now demand immediate action and accountability.
“We are not only mourning. We are demanding justice,” one community elder told reporters. “This kind of killing cannot become normal in Kogi State.”
Local groups are organizing prayer sessions and peaceful processions in Itobe, while civic leaders have urged the public to remain calm but vigilant. Posters calling for justice and carrying Yerima’s image have begun to circulate on social media and around major intersections in town.
The public is urged to share any useful information with the nearest police station or contact the Nigeria Police Force directly. The Commissioner of Police in Lokoja is expected to address the media in the coming hours.
