The Kogi State Government has commiserated with the families of those who lost their loved ones in the recent reprisal killings in Abugi, Kuchinda and Mikugi communities in Kupa Kingdom, Lokoja Local Government Area, assuring them that the perpetrators of the heinous acts will be apprehended and brought to justice.
In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, the government described the killings as tragic, senseless and unacceptable, saying no grievance or misunderstanding should degenerate into the taking of innocent lives.
The Commissioner said Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo extended his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and the entire Kupa Kingdom, praying for the peaceful repose of the souls of the deceased and comfort for those left behind.
Fanwo explained that preliminary reports indicated that the unfortunate incident began after an unarmed herder was allegedly shot and killed by a member of the local vigilante on suspicion of cattle rustling.
He said the killing of the herder was later followed by a reprisal attack allegedly carried out by armed persons, who targeted innocent people in Abugi, Kuchinda and Mikugi communities, resulting in multiple deaths and heightened tension in the area.
According to the Commissioner, Governor Ododo has directed security agencies to immediately take full control of the situation, restore peace and prevent any further breakdown of law and order.
He disclosed that the Governor has ordered security agencies to immediately arrest the local vigilante member alleged to have killed the herder, as well as those responsible for the reprisal attack, including the leader of the Hybrid Vigilante Group suspected to have coordinated the assault, assuring the public that everyone found culpable will be brought to justice.
“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. Anyone found to have participated in either incident, regardless of status or ethnic affiliation, will face the full weight of the law.
“We appeal to all residents to remain calm and resist the temptation of reprisals. We also urge members of the public to cooperate with security agencies by providing credible information that will aid ongoing investigations and the arrest of all those responsible,” he said.
Fanwo said the state government is working closely with security agencies, traditional rulers, community leaders and other critical stakeholders to restore lasting peace across Kupa Kingdom and strengthen confidence among the affected communities.
He reiterated Governor Ododo’s commitment to protecting every resident of Kogi State, stressing that the administration will continue to uphold justice, strengthen peaceful coexistence among communities and ensure that criminals have no hiding place anywhere in the state.