No fewer than seven persons were feared killed after armed men launched coordinated attacks on three communities in Kupa Kingdom, Abugi, Kuchinda and Mikugi—in Lokoja Local Government Area of Kogi State in what residents described as a reprisal attack.
The attack, which occurred on Thursday, reportedly followed the killing of a herder, suspected to be a cattle rustler, during a confrontation with local vigilantes at a checkpoint in the area.
Residents said the incident began around 8 a.m. when the herder was shot dead after an altercation with members of the community’s vigilante group.
A few hours later, heavily armed men reportedly stormed the affected communities, firing indiscriminately and attacking residents.
“Few hours after the checkpoint incident between a herder and vigilantes, armed hoodlums invaded the town, shooting sporadically from different directions.
“In the process, several residents were killed, while many others sustained injuries as the attackers invaded streets, markets and even the palace of our paramount traditional ruler.
“As of last night, seven people had been confirmed dead. The death toll may rise because the search for victims is still ongoing, and many residents fled to neighbouring communities,” a resident of Abugi, Ahmed, said.
Among those reportedly killed was Prince Aliyu Isah Kabir, son of the Mayaki of Kupa and the All Progressives Congress Youth Leader for Kupa South Ward.
Confirming the incident, the Chairman of Lokoja Local Government Area, Comrade Abdullahi Adamu, said the attack resulted in the loss of lives and destruction of property.
He said security agencies had been directed to track down and arrest everyone connected with the attack.
“We have directed the relevant security agencies to swing into action and arrest anyone who had a hand, directly or indirectly, in the attack and ensure they face the law.
“The government is saddened by this devilish act and will leave no stone unturned in ensuring justice for the victims. I appeal to residents to remain calm while security agencies carry out their duties,” Adamu said.
The Kogi State Government also condemned the violence, describing both the killing of the herder and the subsequent reprisal attack as criminal acts.
In a statement issued on Friday by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, the government vowed to investigate both incidents and prosecute those found culpable.
“The Kogi State Government condemns in the strongest terms both the killing of the unarmed herder and the subsequent reprisal attack.
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“These are criminal acts that have no place in our society. Anyone found to have participated in either incident, regardless of status or ethnic affiliation, will face the full weight of the law,” the statement read.
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo also sympathised with the families of those who lost their loved ones and directed security agencies to immediately restore normalcy, apprehend those responsible and prevent further violence.
The government appealed to residents to remain peaceful, avoid reprisals and cooperate with security agencies by providing credible information to aid ongoing investigations.
Efforts to obtain the reaction of the Kogi State Police Command were unsuccessful, as its spokesperson, ASP Saliu Oyiza Afusat, did not respond to telephone calls or a text message as of the time of filing this report.
