No fewer than ten persons have reportedly lost their lives and several houses razed following the invasion of Edede and Aloko communities in Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State by suspected armed herdsmen between Thursday and the early hours of this Sunday.
An eyewitness from the village, Momoh Okpanachi who confirmed the incident to our correspondent via telephone conversation said, the recent invasion of the communities was a coordinated one which left the villagers helpless as there were no escape routes.
While the police put the casualty figure at four based on hear-say, the eyewitness Momoh Okpanachi said, ten people have so far been killed and several houses burnt on Thursday and Sunday morning at Edede and Aloko Oganeinu respectively.
Also Read: Armed herdsmen attack another community in Kogi State
Senator representing Kogi East, Isah Jibrin Echocho, condemned the recent invasion and called on traditional leaders to find a common ground in addressing the conflicts leading to the renewed attacks.
Kogi State Police Public Relations Officer, Williams Aya and the State Security Adviser, Jerry Omodara both condemned renewed attacks.
Omodara confirmed that a combined security team has been deployed to the areas.
Key players in Kogi state have condemned the incident in separate statements, with the hope that the state government would bring lasting peace to the area as it did in 2017 when similar attacks occurred in the area.
(Editor: Anoyoyo Ogiagboviogie)
