Five Killed in Kogi Reprisal Attack

At least five people have been killed in a reprisal attack on three communities in Kupa Kingdom, Lokoja Local Government Area of Kogi State, following the killing of an unarmed herder.

The affected communities, Abugi, Kuchinda, Mikugi, were attacked by unidentified assailants on Thursday, heightening tension in the area. The incident reportedly followed the killing of the herder, allegedly by a local vigilante member who suspected him of cattle rustling.

The Kogi State Government condemned both incidents, describing the killings as tragic, senseless, unacceptable. The Commissioner for Information, Kingsley Fanwo, said Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo had directed security agencies to take control of the affected communities, restore peace, arrest those responsible.

Fanwo said the governor ordered the arrest of the vigilante member allegedly involved in the herder's death, along with those linked to the reprisal attack, including the leader of the Hybrid Vigilante Group suspected of coordinating the assault.

The government urged residents to remain calm, avoid further reprisals, cooperate with security agencies by providing credible information that could assist investigations. It also said efforts were underway with traditional rulers, community leaders, security agencies, other stakeholders to restore peace.