Lokoja, January 12, 2026 — The Kogi State Government has announced with deep sorrow the deaths of three distinguished chieftains of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state. The deceased are Hon. Onojah James Ignatius, Special Adviser to the Governor and former Chairman of Igalamela-Odolu Local Government Area; Hon. Jatto Onimisi Suleiman, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor; and Alhaji Alih Atabo, Chairman of the APC in Anyigba Ward, Dekina Local Government Area.
The announcement was made on Monday through an official statement issued by the Kogi State Commissioner for Information and Communication, Kingsley Fanwo, in Lokoja. The statement described the losses as a profound blow to the government, the APC, and the people of Kogi State, highlighting the individuals' unwavering dedication to public service and party growth.
“The Government and people of Kogi State have received with profound sorrow the news of the passing of three distinguished sons of the state,” Fanwo stated. He praised Hon. Onojah James Ignatius as “a seasoned grassroots mobiliser and administrator whose passion for community development and good governance was evident in all his engagements.”
Hon. Jatto Onimisi Suleiman was commended for discharging his duties “with humility, diligence, and an unwavering sense of responsibility, always placing the interest of the people above personal considerations.” Alhaji Alih Atabo was recognized as “a committed party stalwart whose devotion to the growth, unity, and progress of the APC at the ward level was exemplary.”
The statement did not disclose the specific causes or circumstances surrounding the deaths, which occurred around the same period, with some social media reports indicating that at least one of the individuals, Hon. Jatto Onimisi Suleiman, passed away shortly after returning from Friday prayers on January 9, 2026. Tributes from party associates and community members have poured in, emphasizing the leaders' roles in mobilizing support, fostering unity, and advancing development initiatives in their respective areas.
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, through the commissioner, extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, friends, associates, and the broader APC family. “We also commiserate with the people of Igalamela, Okene, Dekina, and all those whose lives were touched by their selfless service,” Fanwo added. “We deeply appreciate their invaluable contributions to the development of Kogi State and the strengthening of our great party. Their legacies of service, sacrifice, and dedication will continue to inspire us.”
The passing of these three figures comes at a time when the APC in Kogi State continues to consolidate its position following the 2023 gubernatorial election, which saw Ododo emerge victorious. The chieftains were known for their loyalty to the party and their efforts in grassroots engagement across the state's diverse ethnic and local government areas, including Igalamela-Odolu (predominantly Igala), Okene (Ebira), and Dekina (also Igala-speaking).
Political observers note that such losses can impact party morale and organizational strength at the local level, particularly in ward and local government structures where figures like Alhaji Alih Atabo played pivotal roles in maintaining party cohesion. Community leaders in Anyigba have described Atabo as a man of integrity who stood firm amid challenges, including alleged political attacks in the past.
The deaths have prompted an outpouring of tributes on social media and from party forums. For instance, associates of Hon. Onojah James Ignatius (popularly known as "Kross") have mourned him as a brother and dedicated public servant. Similar sentiments have been expressed for the others, with prayers for the repose of their souls and strength for their families.
As Kogi State grapples with these successive losses, the government and APC have reiterated their commitment to honoring the legacies of the departed leaders through continued service to the people. No official details on funeral arrangements or further investigations into the causes have been released at the time of this report, though Islamic burial rites were reportedly observed for Alhaji Alih Atabo in Anyigba shortly after his passing.
The incident underscores the unpredictable nature of public service and the human cost of political engagement in Nigeria's dynamic landscape. The APC in Kogi remains a dominant force, but these departures serve as a somber reminder of the personal sacrifices involved in leadership.
