Kogi Orders Arrests After Five Killed In Lokoja Reprisal Attack

Kogi State has ordered security agencies to arrest those behind a reprisal attack that left at least five people dead in three communities in Lokoja Local Government Area.

The attack hit Abugi, Kuchinda and Mikugi in Kupa Kingdom after the alleged killing of an unarmed herder by a member of a local vigilante group. The state government said the first killing and the reprisal attack were criminal acts and must be investigated together.

Governor Ahmed Ododo directed security agencies to take control of the affected communities, restore calm and prevent the violence from spreading, according to the state Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo.

Fanwo said the government wanted the vigilante member accused of killing the herder arrested, along with those linked to the reprisal attack. He also named the leader of a Hybrid Vigilante Group as one of those suspected of coordinating the assault.

Punch reported that no fewer than five people were killed. Premium Times also reported multiple deaths and said the state government sent condolences to the families of the victims and the people of Kupa Kingdom.

The government appealed to residents to remain calm, avoid fresh reprisals and support security agencies with information that could help restore order in the affected communities.

Sources: Punch and Premium Times.