No fewer than five people have been killed in a reprisal attack on three communities in Kupa Kingdom, Lokoja Local Government Area of Kogi State.
The affected communities are Abugi, Kuchinda and Mikugi, where unidentified gunmen reportedly attacked residents on Thursday.
The Kogi State Government confirmed the killings and ordered security agencies to arrest those responsible for both the initial killing of a herder and the subsequent reprisal attack.
The incident was reportedly triggered by the killing of an unarmed herder, allegedly by a member of a local vigilante group who suspected him of cattle rustling.
The killing was subsequently followed by a reprisal attack by armed persons who targeted residents of the three communities, leaving at least five people dead and heightening tension in the area.
In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, on Friday, the state government described the killings as tragic, senseless and unacceptable.
Fanwo said Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo had directed security agencies to immediately take control of the affected communities, restore peace and prevent further escalation.
He said the governor also ordered the arrest of the vigilante member allegedly responsible for the herder’s death and those linked to the reprisal attack, including the leader of the Hybrid Vigilante Group suspected of coordinating the assault.
“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.”
Fanwo appealed to residents to remain calm and avoid further reprisals, while urging them to assist security agencies with credible information.
“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.
The commissioner said the government was working with security agencies, traditional rulers, community leaders and other stakeholders to restore peace and rebuild confidence among residents of the affected communities.
He reiterated the state government’s commitment to protecting residents and ensuring that those responsible for the violence are brought to justice.
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