The Kogi State Police Command has launched an investigation into the death of a final-year student of the Federal University Lokoja, whose body was discovered along the Lokoja-Abuja Highway under circumstances that have sparked concern among residents and student groups.
The deceased, identified as Sarah Idoko, was reportedly found lifeless on Saturday night near the Crusher area along the Felele axis of Lokoja after suspected assailants allegedly abandoned her body by the roadside.
Eyewitnesses said a vehicle was seen stopping briefly near the location at about 8 p.m. before speeding away. Moments later, passers-by reportedly discovered the body and alerted security agencies.
Initial reports had suggested that the victim was a student of Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja, after an identity card bearing her name was recovered at the scene.
The card indicated that she was enrolled in the Higher National Diploma programme of the Department of Office Technology Management for the 2024/2025 academic session.
However, the police later clarified that Idoko was a student of the Federal University Lokoja.
Confirming the incident, the Commissioner of Police in Kogi State, Naziru Kankarofi, said detectives had commenced efforts to uncover the circumstances surrounding the student’s death and identify those behind the crime.
He assured residents that the command would pursue the case diligently and make the findings public when investigations are concluded.
“The command is working to establish the circumstances surrounding the death and track down those responsible,” the police commissioner stated.
Kankarofi reaffirmed the command’s commitment to ensuring justice for the deceased and urged members of the public to cooperate with investigators.
Reacting to the incident, the Association of Nigeria Female Students, Kogi State Chapter, condemned the killing, describing it as tragic, disturbing and unacceptable.
In a statement issued by its State Coordinator, Celina James, the association expressed grief over the student’s death and called on security agencies to carry out a thorough investigation to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.
The group also urged relevant authorities to strengthen security measures around tertiary institutions and student-populated communities to prevent similar occurrences.
According to the association, the incident has renewed concerns over the safety of students and other residents along the Felele corridor, a major route into Lokoja that has witnessed several security-related incidents in recent years.