By Adenike Lucas

A veteran journalist, Adinoyi Ojo Onukaba, who died yesterday, was trying to flee from robbers on the Ilesha -Akure road, DENISAURUS News has learned.

The 57 year-old was said to be returning from Abeokuta where he had joined other dignitaries to attend the 80th Birthday and inauguration of Chief Obasanjo Presidential Library, when the terrible accident occurred.

Dr Onukaba, a former aviation correspondent for The Guardian died instantly in the accident that took place yesterday at about 18:00.

Yusuf Itopa, a relative of the deceased who witnessed the whole ordeal, confirmed that he (Dr Onukaba) was “running into a nearby bush to escape an armed robbery attack.”

He said, three of them, including the victim’s driver “were traveling when they ran into a blockade mounted by armed robbers.”

The late Dr Onukaba born March 9, 1960, was the Managing Director of Daily Times.

He worked in the Villa during Chief Obasanjo’s presidency. In 1998, he wrote the former President’s biography, Olusegun Obasanjo in the Eyes of Time.

The governorship aspirant from Kogi state, who began his career at the Guardian in 1983, served as Senior Special Assistant on media to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar from 2002-2005.

He later penned Atiku – The Story of Atiku Abubakar, a biography of the Turakin of Adamawa’s life.

Dr Onukaba will be laid to rest today by 15 pm at his residence, in Ihima, Okehi Local Government Area of Kogi State.