Five killed in Kogi reprisal attack

Tragedy struck Kupa Kingdom in Nigeria's Kogi State as a reprisal attack claimed the lives of at least five residents across the communities of Abugi, Kuchinda, and Mikugi. The violent incident, which occurred on Thursday, has heightened tensions in the Lokoja Local Government Area.

The state government confirmed the killings on Friday, describing them as "tragic, senseless and unacceptable." The violence reportedly stemmed from the earlier killing of an unarmed herder, who was allegedly targeted by a local vigilante suspecting him of cattle rustling. This initial act then triggered a retaliatory assault by armed individuals on the affected communities.

“

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.

Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has directed security agencies to immediately restore peace and prevent further escalation. In a statement, Information and Communications Commissioner Kingsley Fanwo announced that the governor ordered the arrest of the vigilante member implicated in the herder's death, as well as those linked to the reprisal attack, including the suspected leader of the Hybrid Vigilante Group.

"Anyone found to have participated in either incident, regardless of status or ethnic affiliation, will face the full weight of the law," Fanwo stated. The government appealed to residents to remain calm, avoid further reprisks, and cooperate with security agencies by providing credible information to aid the ongoing investigations. Efforts are underway, in collaboration with traditional rulers and community leaders, to restore peace and rebuild confidence among the residents.

“

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.