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At least five people have been killed in a reprisal attack on three communities in Kupa Kingdom, Lokoja Local Government Area of Kogi State.
The attack occurred on Thursday when unidentified gunmen reportedly invaded Abugi, Kuchinda and Mikugi communities, targeting residents.
The Kogi State Government confirmed the deaths and ordered security agencies to arrest those responsible for both the killing that triggered the violence and the subsequent reprisal attack.
The violence reportedly began after an unarmed herder was killed, allegedly by a member of a local vigilante group who suspected him of cattle rustling. Armed assailants later carried out a reprisal attack on the three communities, killing at least five people and heightening tensions in the area.
In a statement issued on Friday by Kingsley Fanwo, Commissioner for Information and Communications, the state government described the incidents as tragic, senseless and unacceptable.
Fanwo said Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo had directed security agencies to take immediate control of the affected communities, restore peace and prevent further violence.
He said the governor also ordered the arrest of the vigilante member allegedly responsible for the herder’s death, as well as those involved in the reprisal attack, including the leader of the Hybrid Vigilante Group suspected of coordinating the assault. The commissioner added the government would ensure that anyone found responsible for either incident, regardless of status or ethnic affiliation, faces prosecution.
Fanwo urged residents to remain calm and avoid further reprisals, while calling on them to provide security agencies with credible information that could assist the investigation.
“The Kogi State Government condemns in the strongest terms both the killing of the unarmed herder and the subsequent reprisal attack. 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.
“We appeal to all residents to remain calm and resist the temptation of reprisals. We also urge members of the public to cooperate with security agencies by providing credible information that will aid ongoing investigations and the arrest of all those responsible,” he said.
He said the government was working with security agencies, traditional rulers, community leaders and other stakeholders to restore peace and rebuild confidence among residents.
The commissioner reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to protecting residents and bringing those responsible for the violence to justice.
