Revenge Strike in Kogi Leaves Five Dead

A devastating reprisal attack has claimed the lives of at least five people in three communities within Kupa Kingdom, located in the Lokoja Local Government Area of Kogi State, specifically targeting the areas of Abugi, Kuchinda, and Mikugi, where residents were attacked by unidentified gunmen on Thursday.

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The Kogi State Government has confirmed the tragic incident and has given a directive to security agencies to apprehend those responsible for the initial killing of a herder and the subsequent reprisal attack that followed.

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The incident is believed to have been sparked by the killing of an unarmed herder, allegedly at the hands of a local vigilante group member who suspected the herder of cattle rustling, leading to a violent reprisal attack by armed individuals on the three communities.

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This reprisal attack has resulted in the loss of at least five lives, significantly heightening tension in the area, and prompting the state government to issue a statement on Friday through the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo.

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In the statement, the state government described the killings as tragic, senseless, and unacceptable, with Fanwo revealing that Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has instructed security agencies to immediately take control of the affected communities and restore peace to prevent further escalation.

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The governor has also 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.

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Fanwo emphasized that the Kogi State Government strongly condemns both the killing of the unarmed herder and the subsequent reprisal attack, stating that these are criminal acts that have no place in society, and that anyone found to have participated in either incident will face the full weight of the law.

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The commissioner appealed to residents to remain calm and avoid further reprisals, urging them to assist security agencies with credible information to aid in the ongoing investigations and the arrest of all those responsible.

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Fanwo stated that the government is working alongside security agencies, traditional rulers, community leaders, and other stakeholders to restore peace and rebuild confidence among residents of the affected communities.

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The commissioner reiterated the state government's commitment to protecting its residents and ensuring that those responsible for the violence are brought to justice.