A prominent female politician was reportedly burnt to death by rampaging political thugs in Kogi State on Monday.

60-year-old Salome Abuh who was the Peoples Democratic Party women leader of Ochadamu Ward in Ofu Local Government Area, was sleeping in her home when political thugs set the building alight shortly before sunset on Monday, Premium Times reports.

The politician’s remains, which were burnt beyond recognition, had been taken to a mortuary for autopsy, Police spokesperson, Mr Aya said.

“It was a very unfortunate incident and the commissioner has ordered a thorough investigation to ensure that all those involved do not escape justice”, he added.

Meanwhile, supporters of the PDP said Ms Abuh was killed by suspected thugs loyal to the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Governor Yahaya Bello.

Two residents in the community who spoke with PREMIUM TIMES said those who burnt Ms Abuh to death were political thugs, but they were unable to immediately link the suspects to a political party.

On Tuesday morning, the police gave PREMIUM TIMES their account of what transpired in the community.

Mr Aya, a deputy police superintendent, said a preliminary police investigation of what led to Ms Abuh’s killing showed that it was a reprisal attack for the killing of an APC supporter in the community.

“There was a misunderstanding between Gowon Simeon and Awolu Zakari, both members of the community. Mr Simeon stabbed Mr Zakari in the chest and he bled to death almost instantly.”

The officer said Mr Simeon was a known PDP supporter in the community, while Mr Zakari identified with the APC.

After Mr Zakari was confirmed dead by a medical doctor, his associates gathered for a reprisal attack against Mr Simeon.

“They arrived at his uncle’s house where they believed he was hiding and set it on fire,” Mr Aya said.

“Unfortunately Ms Abuh was sleeping inside the house and she was burnt alive,” the officer said.