‘How gunmen killed APC ward chairman, 7 others in Kogi community’

By Thompson Yamput

A leader in Oganenigu community of Dekina Local Area of Government of Kogi State, David Abimaje, has narrated how gunmen attacked 32 villages in the area between between 7 a.m. and 8a.m. on March 2 without any response by security operatives.

Abimaje said eight people people, including the APC Ward Chairman and 50 houses were destroyed in the attack.

The community leader spoke when Gov. Yahaya Bello, visited Oganenigu community in company of heads of security operatives in Kogi state on Tuesday.

Bello was represented by his Deputy, Chief Edward Onoja.

Abimaje said, “Mr Governor, it’s unfortunate that Oganenigu community, which comprises of 32 villages has no single police station even in the face of several attacks by herdsmen.

”We alerted the security agents of the attack before it happened. They came around on Saturday but left after a while that same day only for the attackers to come on Sunday yo attack us.

”By our records, eight people lost their lives in the Sunday attack including the APC Ward Chairman while 50 houses were destroyed, ” Abimaje said.

He, however, appealed to the Federal, State and Local Governments to come to the aid of their communities and put an end to incessant attacks on them by herdsmen.

He urged the governor to facilitate the establishment of Military Forward Base that will oversee the security of the 32 communities in Oganenigu so as to “save our lives, property and ancestral homes from herdsmen.”

Speaking during the visit, Onoja vowed that Kogi Government will bring the perpetrators of attacks to justice.

He described the attacks as ”barbaric” and “unacceptable” deserving serious action to be taken to forestall a re-occurrence.

“As we speak, the military is on ground and have forestalled more casualties and they will continue to be on ground.

“There will be more deployment of the Mobile Police and Anti Terrorism Squad. The State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) has taken stock of the situation to ensure quick intervention inform of palliatives to cushion the effect of the pains for the community.

“Kogi is proactive, we do not waste time in dealing with issues and challenges of our people.

The governor later held an expanded meeting with Security Heads, Leaders of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association (MACBAN) from Kogi and Nasarawa chapters, traditional rulers, local government chairmen of Idah, Igalamela-Odolu, Olamaboro and Dekina at the Attta Igala’s Palace in Idah.

(NAN)