Five people were killed in a reprisal attack in Abugi and adjoining communities in Kogi state. According to the Kogi State Police Command, the killings occurred after a herder was killed in the community on Thursday.
The police command's spokesperson, ASP Salisu Afusat, stated that the Command had taken decisive steps to prevent further escalation and restore peace in the affected area. The Command, in conjunction with relevant security and community stakeholders, conducted critical engagements with traditional rulers, community leaders, and other stakeholders focusing on reconciliation, restoration of peaceful coexistence, and addressing the underlying causes of the conflict.
The investigation into the incident is ongoing.
ASP Afusat stated that the investigation will be pursued diligently, and any suspect found culpable will be brought before the law to face the appropriate legal consequences. Personnel remain strategically deployed within the affected communities to prevent further violence and protect lives and property.
The Commissioner of Police reiterated that the Kogi State Police Command remains fully committed to protecting the lives and property of residents across the state. He urged members of the public to remain law-abiding and promptly report suspicious movements or activities to the police and other security agencies.
Normalcy had been restored to Abugi and its environs, with security monitoring continuing to ensure that the peace was sustained. However, the restoration of calm does not in any way halt the ongoing investigation, as the Command remains committed to ensuring that those responsible for the loss of lives are identified and brought to justice.
ASP Afusat further said that the Command's commitment to protecting the lives and property of residents across the state remains unwavering. He urged members of the public to be vigilant and to report any suspicious activities to the police immediately.
The Kogi State Police Command is led by a Commissioner of Police who has a strong reputation for maintaining law and order in the state. The Commissioner has been at the forefront of efforts to tackle insecurity in the state and has consistently demonstrated his commitment to protecting the lives and property of residents.
As part of its efforts to prevent further violence and restore peace in the affected communities, the police command has intensified patrols in the area. Personnel are also conducting house-to-house searches to identify and apprehend suspects.
The incident has raised concerns about the rise of communal violence in Kogi state. The state has witnessed several incidents of reprisal attacks in recent years, which have resulted in the loss of lives and destruction of properties.
The Kogi State Police Command has also been working with community leaders to address the underlying causes of the conflict. The Command has been providing support to affected communities, including providing them with materials to rebuild their homes and businesses.
The police command has also been working with traditional rulers and community leaders to prevent further violence and restore peace in the affected communities. The Command has been engaging in critical stakeholder meetings to identify the causes of the conflict and find solutions to prevent future incidents.
Normalcy had been restored to Abugi and its environs, with security monitoring continuing to ensure that the peace was sustained. However, the restoration of calm does not in any way halt the ongoing investigation, as the Command remains committed to ensuring that those responsible for the loss of lives are identified and brought to justice.