SDP Zonal Chairman in Kogi beaten to coma by thugs
Suspected political thugs, believed to be hoodlums, launched an attack on the residence of Pastor Sunday Atabo, the Zonal Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Kogi State.
The incident occurred at his rural home in Aja-Odi Agojoeju, Ofu Local Government Area (LGA).
According to a witness, the assailants, armed with dangerous weapons including AK-47 rifles, cutlasses, and rods, descended upon his house on a Saturday night, beating him into a state of unconsciousness.
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Atabo, who also serves as the General Overseer of the Bible Believers Church in Agojeju-Efakwu, Ofu LGA, is reported to be in critical condition, receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital.
“The hoodlums stormed his house, wielding a menacing array of weapons, including AK-47s, locally crafted firearms, cutlasses, and large sticks. They subjected him to a merciless beating,” disclosed a family member, James Adaji.
Furthermore, the attackers ransacked his property, vandalizing his vehicles and other means of livelihood.
Dr. Arome Okeme, the state secretary of the SDP, revealed that the assailants even attempted to set Atabo’s house on fire while his family was inside, but the ignition did not take. Atabo is currently in a semi-conscious state, teetering between consciousness and unconsciousness, according to Okeme.
ID Ijele, the director of new media for the SDP’s gubernatorial campaign team, strongly condemned the attack, noting that such assaults on party leaders and members have been recurrent.
“The intent behind this heinous act is to intimidate our leaders and voters, discouraging them from fulfilling their roles, including voting on Election Day. We have been documenting these attacks and will continue to do so, with the hope that security agencies will take action to curb this pattern of orchestrated violence against our members,” Ijele remarked.
The SDP has called upon the Commissioner of Police, Department of State Services (DSS), the Army, the Civil Defence, and other security agencies to intervene and bring the perpetrators to justice.
