In what was described as a reprisal attack, bandits entered two communities in Kogi State, Agojeju Odo and Abejukolo in Omala Local Government Area and unleashed terror that claimed no fewer than 19 lives with properties destroyed.
Several houses were said to have been razed by the gun wielding bandits who entered the two Kogi communities Thursday, leaving on their trail gory tales of woes.
The gun totting bandits were said to have been having a running battle with the Agatu militia in Benue State who had mounted resistance to the destruction of their farm produce.
They extended their onslaught to Agojeju Odo, Ajokpachi Odo, Bagaji and environs on Thursday.
The gunmen were said to have mobilised in a reprisal and invaded the two communities, inflicting maximum damages.
The herdsmen, it was learnt, decided to unleash mayhem on the villagers after alleging that the people were complicit with the Agatus against them.
Kogi State Police Public Relations Officer, William Aya, while confirming the incident said, “19 people were killed in the communal clashes that occurred on Thursday,” adding that officers and men of the state police command’s counter-terrorism unit and the Army have been mobilised to restore normalcy in the area.
“As soon as we got wind of the incident, the Commissioner of Police mobilised all units, including the counter-terrorism unit, Army, and other sister security agencies to the area to restore normalcy. As we speak, peace has returned to the communities,” he said.
