Emmanuel Clement.
The Kogi State Government has moved to restore peace in Kupa Kingdom, Lokoja Local Government Area, following recent reprisal killings that claimed several lives in Abugi, Kuchinda and Mikugi communities.
The government, while commiserating with the families of the victims, described the killings as tragic, senseless and unacceptable, assuring residents that those responsible for the violence would be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
The Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, disclosed this in a statement, saying Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo had expressed deep condolences to the bereaved families and the entire Kupa Kingdom over the incident.
According to Fanwo, preliminary findings indicated that the crisis started when an unarmed herder was allegedly shot dead by a member of a local vigilante group on suspicion of cattle rustling.
He explained that the incident was subsequently followed by a reprisal attack allegedly carried out by armed individuals who targeted residents of Abugi, Kuchinda and Mikugi communities, leading to multiple deaths and escalating tension across the area.
Fanwo said Governor Ododo had directed security agencies to take immediate control of the affected communities, restore normalcy and prevent further violence.
He added that the governor ordered the arrest of the vigilante member allegedly responsible for the death of the herder, as well as those suspected of carrying out the reprisal attack.
The leader of the Hybrid Vigilante Group allegedly linked to the assault was also ordered to be apprehended.
The Commissioner stressed that the government would not shield anyone found culpable, regardless of their ethnic background, social status or affiliation.
“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,” Fanwo stated.
He appealed to residents of Kupa Kingdom and surrounding communities to remain calm and avoid any action that could further inflame the situation, urging them to cooperate with security agencies by providing useful information to aid the investigation.
Fanwo further disclosed that the state government was collaborating with security agencies, traditional rulers, community leaders and other stakeholders to restore lasting peace and rebuild confidence among residents of the affected communities.
He reaffirmed Governor Ododo’s commitment to protecting the lives and property of all residents of Kogi State, stressing that the administration would continue to promote peaceful coexistence and ensure that those responsible for criminal activities are brought to justice.
