Four killed as herdsmen attack Kogi community

Four persons have been killed as over 150 suspected militia herdsmen attacked Agojeju-Odo in Bagaji-Odoh District of Omala Local Government Area of Kogi State.

The lawmaker representing Omala State Constituency in the State House of Assembly, Hon. Umar Yahaya, disclosed this on Wednesday in Lokoja shortly after submitting a report on the attack to the Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Usman Ahmed Ododo.

Hon. Yahaya, who condemned the incident, described the recent attack in his constituency as one too many.

According to the lawmaker, “At about 3:30 pm on Tuesday, the 30th of January 2024, the peaceful community of Agojeju-Odo in Bagaji-Odoh District of Omala LGA was attacked by Fulani herdsmen numbering over 150.

“The militant herdsmen took the village by surprise and were shooting sporadically as they invaded the village in broad daylight through the eastern part of the town.

“During the attack, a sick woman who was admitted to a local private clinic (St. Peter Clinic) was slaughtered. Two men, namely Mr. Attai John Idagboyi and Mr. Daniel Shuaibu, were also gruesomely murdered.

“The remains of a man were also found butchered in the bush, bringing the total number of the dead to four (1 woman and 3 men).

“They came in through Bagana in Omala LGA, which borders the Agatu area of Benue and Umasha community in Nasarawa States.

“The Bagana community has been under attack for a long period now, and some of our people have not been able to return home for many years due to the incessant attacks by these Fulani herdsmen militants.”

He requested the State Governor’s support in directing the State Commissioner of Police and other Heads of Security Agencies to deploy armed security personnel to the affected area.

Continuing, Hon. Yahaya said, “The presence of military or armed personnel will scare the militants away, pending further long-term measures by the state to prevent reoccurrence or find possible solutions.”

He, however, appealed to the Governor to direct the State Emergency Agency to provide relief materials to the victims in Bagana and Agojeju-Odo.

While calling for calm, the lawmaker added that he is working with the relevant authorities to ensure that a lasting and possible solution is achieved in bringing peace to Omala Local Government of Kogi State.