In Kogi State, a man believed to be a drug kingpin named Sumaila Ata, also known as Summy, has been killed.
Security agencies took down the drug baron in Ajaka, situated in the Igalamela Odolu Local Government Area of the state.
The Chairman of the Local Government, Cosmas Ilemona Atabor, shared this confirmation with the press on Saturday.
Atabor explained the circumstances surrounding Ata’s death, stating, “It is with regret that we report the demise of Sumaila Ata, alias Summy, a suspected drug kingpin who was fatally shot on April 19, 2024, in the tranquil town of Ajaka within Igalamela/Odolu Local Government.”
He added, “This incident has cast a shadow over our community’s reputation. Let us pray for the deceased and for positive changes among our youth. Amen.”
Highlighting the persistent evasion of capture by Ata, the council chairman remarked, “What is particularly notable is Sumaila Ata’s evasion of security agencies’ pursuit until his unfortunate end on April 19, 2024. The agencies had received credible information that he had taken delivery of a substantial amount of illegal drugs intended for distribution among unsuspecting youths. Prompt action was taken to prevent further harm to our community.”
He continued, “During the attempted arrest of Ata by security agents, his gang members tried to impede the process while he made an escape attempt on a red motorcycle. As he tried to flee, he wielded a weapon, resulting in the fatal shooting by the agents.”
While acknowledging the regretful nature of the incident, Atabor emphasized the vital role played by security agencies in combatting crime for the community’s well-being.
Dismissing rumors linking him to a list of individuals marked for “liquidation” by security agencies, the council boss clarified, “This is entirely false. The agencies acted based on credible intelligence to apprehend Sumaila Ata. There is no such list. I am dedicated to peace and non-violence and urge caution in the dissemination of unverified information.”
He urged the public to cooperate with his administration in eliminating drug-related offenses and other social vices in the locality, Kogi State, and Nigeria as a whole.
Among the items recovered from the deceased suspect were a motorcycle, a locally made pistol, and illegal drugs suspected to be cannabis sativa.