The death of a serving councillor in Kogi State has left her community mourning and renewed attention on the dangers faced by residents amid kidnapping incidents. Rosemary Aduku, who represented Ogugu Council Ward III in Olamaboro Local Government Area, died in the hands of her abductors days after she was seized.

The Olamaboro Local Government Chairman, Dr Ameh Williams, announced her death in a statement issued over the weekend on behalf of the local government executive. Aduku was abducted on October 1, 2026, but details surrounding the circumstances of her death have not been made public.

Williams described the late councillor, popularly known as Hon. Rosella, as a humble and dependable person who maintained close relationships with colleagues and was committed to the wellbeing of others. He said her death was a painful loss to the local government’s legislative and executive arms.

Her death also leaves a loss for the people of Ogugu Ward III, whom she represented in the Olamaboro Legislative Council. The local government chairman extended condolences to her family, fellow councillors, executive council members and the wider Ogugu community.

Authorities have not disclosed whether the abductors demanded or received a ransom, nor have details been provided about the circumstances that led to Aduku’s death. The absence of further information leaves key questions about the incident unanswered.

The local government has announced that Aduku’s burial will take place at 1 p.m. on Friday at her family compound in Ogugu Centre. Members of the All Progressives Congress have also been invited to join her family, colleagues and other mourners in paying their last respects.

As the community prepares to lay the councillor to rest, the loss extends beyond her immediate family to the residents she served and the colleagues who worked with her. Her death underscores the personal and public toll of kidnapping, while details of the incident remain limited.