By Boluwaji Obahopo
Several people have been reported killed in a reprisal attack that followed the alleged killing of an unarmed herder by a local vigilante in Kupa Kingdom, Lokoja Local Government Area of Kogi State.
While the actual figures are yet to be ascertained by security agencies, locals report that 8 persons were killed on Wednesday.
The killings occurred in Abugi, Kuchinda and Mikugi communities, where tension reportedly heightened following the death of the herder, who was allegedly shot by a member of the local vigilante on suspicion of cattle rustling.
The subsequent reprisal attack allegedly carried out by armed persons reportedly targeted residents of the three communities, resulting in multiple deaths
The Kogi State Government, while confirming the incidents, described the killings as tragic, senseless and unacceptable, assuring families of the victims that those responsible would be arrested and prosecuted.
In a statement issued on Thursday by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, the government said the reprisal attack followed the killing of the herder and had further escalated tension across the affected communities.
Fanwo said Governor Ahmed Ododo had directed security agencies to take immediate control of the situation, restore peace and prevent further attacks.
”The governor has also ordered the arrest of the local vigilante member alleged to have killed the herder, as well as those allegedly responsible for the reprisal attack.
”The leader of the Hybrid Vigilante Group, who was allegedly suspected of coordinating the reprisal assault, is also being sought for arrest.”
Fanwo said the government condemned both the killing of the herder and the subsequent reprisal attack, stressing that neither incident could be justified.
“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,” he said.
The commissioner added that anyone found to have participated in either incident, irrespective of status or ethnic affiliation, would face the full weight of the law.
He appealed to residents of Kupa Kingdom to remain calm and avoid further reprisals, urging them to provide credible information to security agencies to assist the ongoing investigation.
Fanwo said the state government was working with security agencies, traditional rulers, community leaders and other stakeholders to restore lasting peace in the affected communities.
He also conveyed the governor’s condolences to the families of those killed, saying Ododo prayed for the repose of the deceased and comfort for their bereaved families.
The commissioner reiterated the administration’s commitment to protecting residents across the state and ensuring that those responsible for the violence were brought to justice.
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