Kogi Government has confirmed the recent reprisal killings in Abugi, Kuchinda and Mikugi communities in Kupa Kingdom, Lokoja Local Government Area, describing the attacks as tragic and unacceptable.
In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Communications Kogi State, Kingsley Fanwo, Governor Usman Ododo sympathized with the bereaved families and the people of Kupa Kingdom, praying for the peaceful repose of the victims and comfort for those affected.
According to the Commissioner, preliminary investigations indicate that the violence began after an unarmed herder was allegedly shot and killed by a local vigilante member on suspicion of cattle rustling.
The incident reportedly triggered a reprisal attack by armed assailants who targeted the communities of Abugi, Kuchinda and Mikugi, leaving several people dead and heightening tensions across the area.
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The state government says Governor Ododo has directed security agencies to take full control of the affected communities, restore peace and prevent further violence.
He also ordered the immediate arrest of the vigilante member accused of killing the herder, as well as those responsible for the reprisal attack, including the alleged leader of the Hybrid Vigilante Group.
The government stressed that no grievance or misunderstanding should ever result in the loss of innocent lives.
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(Editor: Ebuwa Omo-Osagie)
