Kogi govt vows justice after reprisal killings

The Kogi State Government has strongly condemned the recent reprisal killings in the Abugi, Kuchinda, and Mikugi communities within the Kupa Kingdom of Lokoja Local Government Area. Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, announced that Governor Ahmed Ododo has ordered security agencies to restore peace and bring all perpetrators to justice.

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The Kogi State Government condemns in the strongest terms both the killing of the unarmed herder and the subsequent reprisal attack.

"The Kogi State Government condemns in the strongest terms both the killing of the unarmed herder and the subsequent reprisal attack," Fanwo stated. He emphasized that these acts are criminal and have no place in society, vowing that anyone involved, regardless of status or ethnic affiliation, will face the full force of the law. The government labeled the killings as "tragic, senseless and unacceptable" and extended condolences to the affected families and the Kupa Kingdom.

Preliminary reports suggest the violence erupted after a vigilante group member allegedly shot and killed an unarmed herder, suspected of cattle rustling. This incident was reportedly followed by retaliatory attacks by armed individuals targeting residents of the Abugi, Kuchinda, and Mikugi communities, resulting in multiple fatalities. Governor Ododo has specifically ordered the apprehension of the vigilante accused of the herder's death and the leader of a Hybrid Vigilante Group believed to have orchestrated the reprisal assault.

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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 for calm among residents, urging them to resist the urge for further reprisals. He also called for public cooperation with security agencies, requesting credible information to aid investigations and arrests. The state government is actively collaborating with security forces, traditional rulers, and community leaders to re-establish peace and prevent future violence. This statement provides the first official account linking the attacks to the herder's death and subsequent community assaults.

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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.