The Kogi State Government has condemned the killing of eight people in the Kupa Kingdom, Lokoja Local Government Area, and has ordered the arrest of those behind the violence, which stemmed from the fatal shooting of an unarmed herder by a vigilante and a subsequent armed reprisal.
In a statement released on Thursday, the government vowed to prosecute all perpetrators and announced immediate security measures to restore peace in the affected communities of Abugi, Kuchinda and Mikugi.
Government Condemns Killings, Vows Prosecution
The Kogi Government has commiserated with families of victims of the reprisal killings in the affected communities. In a statement on Thursday, the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, described the incident as tragic, senseless and unacceptable, stressing that no misunderstanding should result in the loss of innocent lives.
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He vowed that all perpetrators would be apprehended and prosecuted. Governor Ahmed Ododo extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and the entire Kupa Kingdom, praying for the peaceful repose of the deceased and comfort for those left behind.
Preliminary Report: How the Clash Unfolded
According to preliminary reports, the crisis began after an unarmed herder was allegedly shot and killed by a member of the local vigilante on suspicion of cattle rustling.
The killing was followed by a reprisal allegedly carried out by armed persons, who targeted innocent residents of Abugi, Kuchinda and Mikugi, resulting in multiple deaths and heightened tension in the area.
Government Directives and Arrest Orders
The Kogi government condemns in the strongest terms both the killing of the unarmed herder and the subsequent reprisal attack. Fanwo stated that these are criminal acts that have no place in our society.
He warned that anyone found to have participated in either incident, regardless of status or ethnic affiliation, would face the full wrath of the law.
The governor has directed security agencies to take control of the affected communities, restore peace and prevent further breakdown of law and order.
Governor Ododo also ordered the immediate arrest of the vigilante member alleged to have killed the herder, as well as those behind the reprisal, including the leader of the Hybrid Vigilante Group suspected to have coordinated the assault.
Appeal for Calm and Public Cooperation
The commissioner appealed to residents to remain calm and resist reprisals. He urged members of the public to cooperate with security agencies by providing credible information to aid investigations and arrests.
He noted that the state government is working closely with security agencies, traditional rulers, community leaders and other stakeholders to restore lasting peace across Kupa Kingdom and rebuild confidence among affected communities.
Commitment to Justice and Peace
The commissioner reiterated the Governor Ododo administration’s commitment to protecting every resident of Kogi.
He stressed that the government will continue to uphold justice, strengthen peaceful coexistence and ensure that criminals have no hiding place in the state.
