Tension gripped Egbe in Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State on Wednesday after bandits launched a deadly attack that left three police officers and two vigilante members dead. The incident, which occurred at a checkpoint, sparked outrage and protests in the community over the worsening security situation.
The Kogi State Government has strongly condemned the killings, describing them as “gruesome” and unacceptable. In a statement on Thursday, the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, confirmed that Governor Yahaya Bello had directed security agencies to carry out a full investigation and ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice.
“These gallant officers paid the supreme price in the line of duty, and we will not rest until those behind this heinous crime are apprehended,” Fanwo said. He added that the state government is “deeply concerned” by rising attacks in the area, which also included a kidnapping along the Lokoja-Obajana road on the same day.
Despite the tragedy, Fanwo disclosed that 17 passengers abducted along the Lokoja-Obajana road were rescued through the combined efforts of the Nigerian Army and local hunters. He praised the operation as proof of the resilience and commitment of security operatives working to keep Kogi safe.
The killings in Egbe are among the deadliest in recent months, raising fresh concerns over the safety of security personnel and the effectiveness of vigilante groups who support the police in rural areas. Kogi State, located in Nigeria’s North-Central region, has struggled with banditry, kidnappings, and repeated attacks on law enforcement officers in recent years.
As protests continue in Egbe, residents are demanding stronger security measures and swift action to end the cycle of violence threatening lives and livelihoods in the state.
Discover more from Scoop Hub
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.