Five killed in Kogi reprisal attack after herder’s death

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, prompting Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo to order the immediate arrest of everyone linked to the violence.

The attack, which affected Abugi, Kuchinda and Mikugi communities on Thursday, reportedly followed the killing of an unarmed herder allegedly by a member of a local vigilante group who suspected him of cattle rustling.

The incident sparked a retaliatory assault by unidentified gunmen, leaving at least five residents dead and heightening tension across the affected communities.

Confirming the development in a statement on Friday, the Kogi State Government condemned both the killing of the herder and the reprisal attack, describing them as criminal acts.

Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, said Governor Ododo had directed security agencies to immediately restore order and ensure all those involved were apprehended.

He disclosed that the governor ordered the arrest of the vigilante member allegedly responsible for the herder’s death, as well as 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 of the affected communities to remain peaceful and avoid taking the law into their own hands.

“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 added that the state government was working closely with security agencies, traditional rulers, community leaders and other stakeholders to restore peace and rebuild confidence in the affected communities.

Fanwo reiterated the Ododo administration’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property, assuring residents that everyone responsible for the violence would be brought to justice.

𝕤𝕖𝕖 𝕞𝕠𝕣𝕖/𝕨𝕒𝕥𝕔𝕙 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕧𝕚𝕕𝕖𝕠 𝕙𝕖𝕣𝕖