By joshua KUPA KILLINGS: KOGI GOVT VOWS JUSTICE, MOVES TO RESTORE PEACE IN LOKOJA COMMUNITIES
The Kogi State Government has condemned the reprisal killings in Abugi, Kuchinda and Mikugi communities of Kupa Kingdom in Lokoja Local Government Area, describing the incident as tragic and unacceptable, and vowed that all those responsible will be brought to justice.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, the government said Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has extended heartfelt condolences to the families of those killed and to the entire Kupa Kingdom, praying for the peaceful repose of the deceased and comfort for the bereaved.
According to Fanwo, preliminary reports indicated that the violence began after an unarmed herder was allegedly shot and killed by a member of the local vigilante on suspicion of cattle rustling. The incident was later followed by a reprisal attack allegedly carried out by armed persons who targeted innocent residents of Abugi, Kuchinda and Mikugi, leading to multiple deaths and heightened tension in the area.
The Commissioner said Governor Ododo has directed security agencies to immediately take full control of the affected communities to restore peace and prevent any further breakdown of law and order.
He also disclosed that the Governor has ordered the immediate arrest of the vigilante member alleged to have killed the herder, as well as those behind the reprisal attack, including the leader of the Hybrid Vigilante Group suspected to have coordinated the assault.
“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,” Fanwo stated.
He appealed to residents to remain calm and resist reprisals, and urged members of the public to cooperate with security agencies by providing credible information to aid investigations and the arrest of all culprits.
Fanwo added that the state government is working closely with security agencies, traditional rulers, community leaders and other stakeholders to restore lasting peace in Kupa Kingdom and rebuild confidence among affected communities.
He reiterated Governor Ododo’s commitment to protecting every resident of Kogi State, stressing that the administration will continue to uphold justice, promote peaceful coexistence and ensure that criminals have no hiding place anywhere in the state.