Five people killed in Kogi community attack

At least five people have died in a revenge attack on three communities in Kupa Kingdom, Lokoja Local Government Area of Kogi State.

The communities affected are Abugi, Kuchinda, and Mikugi. On Thursday, gunmen attacked residents in these areas.

The Kogi State Government has confirmed the deaths. They have ordered security agencies to arrest those responsible for the initial killing of a herder and the follow-up revenge attack.

Reports say the violence started when an unarmed herder was killed. A local vigilante group member suspected him of cattle rustling.

After the herder's death, armed individuals attacked residents of the three communities. This left at least five people dead and raised tensions in the area.

Kingsley Fanwo, the Commissioner for Information and Communications, issued a statement on Friday. He described the killings as tragic, senseless, and unacceptable.

Fanwo said Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has told security agencies to take charge of the affected areas. They need to restore peace and stop any further violence.

The governor also directed that the vigilante member, who is linked to the herder’s death, be arrested. He wants those involved in the revenge attack to be caught too, including the leader of the Hybrid Vigilante Group suspected of planning the attack.

"The Kogi State Government strongly condemns both the killing of the unarmed herder and the following revenge attack. These are criminal acts that have no place in our society. Anyone involved in either incident, no matter their status or ethnic group, will face the full force of the law," he said.

Fanwo asked residents to stay calm and avoid taking revenge. He encouraged them to help security agencies with useful information.

"We ask all residents to keep calm and avoid the urge for revenge. We also urge the public to work with security agencies by giving credible information that will help with investigations and the arrest of those behind these events," he added.

The commissioner mentioned that the government is teaming up with security agencies, traditional rulers, community leaders, and other key players to restore peace and rebuild trust among residents in the affected communities.

He also reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to protecting the people and ensuring that those who caused the violence are brought to justice.