Security
Breaking: 10 killed, scores injured in fresh Kogi chieftaincy crisis
Ten people have been killed, while several others sustained wounds from gun shot and other dangerous weapons at Bagana in Omala Local Government Council in Kogi East Senatorial district.
A source told CAPITAL POST on Monday that Bagana, an ancient community that was still practising trade by barter despite the modernity woke up with gun men surrounded everywhere as early as 5.00 am on Monday.
The attack was suspected to have been triggered by anger over the Onu Omagede, popularly called Mr. Salifu who was coronated few years ago by the late Attah Igala, His Majesty, Dr. Idakwo Ameh Oboni II. The source who didn’t want his name mentioned told our correspondent that since that time, there have been no love lost, as members of the community insisted that the beneficiary of the title wasn’t the right person.
The local source also disclosed that some residents who dived into River Benue while fleeing from gunshots could not be found alive up till Monday evening, while effort was being intensified to locate their bodies in the river.
He explained that the development generated tension and restiveness which forced the Onu Omagede, a community not too distant away from Bagana to temporarily relocate to Bagana.
The initial cold war has been hijacked by the youth in Bagana and Omagede who were now divided in solidarity for and against the Onu Omagede, such that some elders and contemporaries in Omagede and Bagana communities have weaponised the youths for war anytime.
There have been frequent gun attacks in Bagana community leading to human and material casualties. There have been unexplained deaths and houses burnt with Security agents doing little or nothing.
CAPITAL POST gathered that in all those crisis, no arrest have been made, thus, the youth continue to brandish weapons in broad day light without challenges from Security agents.
Monday’s attack went full blown as attackers reportedly hire more criminals from Toto and other communities across River Benue to come and fight.
As at the time of filing this report, bodies of those killed have been moved to A Abejukolo, headquarters of Omala LG, while who sustained injuries are receiving medical attention at undisclosed hospitals in the area.
Bagana, a relatively bubble Community has also been deserted and now a ghost of itself.
A call to the Police Public Relations Officer of Kogi State Police Command DSP, William Ovye Ayah for confirmation was not returned.
The Police has also not yet issued any statement on the development.
The Assistant Inspector General of Police, AIG Abubakar Zubairu has reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to fostering community-driven security solutions.
He stated this while addressing a cross-section of Stakeholders at the Okene engagement programme and further re-echoing the call for community participation in security efforts, noting that manpower limitations and resource constraints necessitate an inclusive Policing approach.
He commended the Commissioner for his proactive leadership and stressed that “security is everybody’s business, and together, we can ensure stability and peace.”
In his remarks, CP Dantawaye reaffirmed the Command’s unwavering commitment to fostering the implementation of Community Policing project as a key approach for effective Policing.
He emphasised the importance of synergy between Law enforcement Agencies, Traditional Institutions, Local Communities, as well as other Security stakeholders in combating crime, particularly kidnapping and other security threats.
He further commended the unwavering dedication among various security formations, including the NSCDC, Local Vigilante, Hunters, as well as NYSC members.
He urged the community members to play an active role in intelligence gathering, stating that, Policing cannot be done by the men on uniform alone. We need every citizen to be our eyes and ears to ensure a safe society.
He cautioned the officers on discipline, professionalism as well as respect for Human rights. He disclosed that Police Officers are undergoing continuous training to improve the operational capacity and to also equip them with the needed skills for investigation.
The event witnessed the presence of respected traditional rulers, local government representatives, transport unions, and various ethnic and community groups, all of whom pledged their commitment to strengthening security collaboration.
As part of ongoing efforts to curb crime, the Nigeria Police Force in Kogi State will intensify intelligence-based operations, enhance police-community relations, and continue engaging stakeholders to ensure lasting peace and security in the region.
Lt. Cynthia Akor, a Navy officer attached to Defence Headquarters in Abuja and two others have been abducted with their abductors demanding for N100 million ransome for their release.
The officer and others were reportedly kidnapped from their residences in the Mpape area of the Federal Capital Territory on Friday night and by Saturday their abductors called their families and demanded for N100 million ransom for the victims to be freed.
Our correspondent learnt on Saturday that their abductors have gotten in touch over ransom.
A source said: “Anong the three people that were kidnapped on Friday night in the Mpape area is a DHQ official, Akor.
“The kidnappers have already reached out to their families and are demanding N100m ransom,” the source said.
Efforts to reach the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Markus Kangye, and the Director of Defence Information, Brig. Gen. Tukur Gusau, were unsuccessful, as they had yet to respond to messages as of the time of filing this report.
When contacted, the spokesperson for the Federal Capital Territory Police Command, Josephine Adeh, said she would confirm the incident and provide further details.
“I will confirm and get back to you shortly,” she simply stated.
She has not reverted as of the time of filing this report.
The Security Adviser to Kogi State governor, Commodore Jerry Omodara (retd) has said security operatives are on the trail of abductors of 18 passengers on a bus belonging to the ABC Transport.
The passengers were kidnapped on Sunday.
Mr Omodara disclosed this on Thursday in Lokoja.
The bus, reportedly heading to Abuja on Sunday, March 16, from the South-East was reportedly hijacked by gunmen suspected to be kidnappers at Oloma in the Ofu Local Government Area of Kogi, a border town between the state and Enugu State.
Reliable sources said that all the bus passengers including the driver were abducted by the gunmen.
However, Mr Omodara, who confirmed the incident, said that a combined team of security operatives had launched a manhunt for the abductors.
He said the operatives in Kogi State, including the military, police, SSS, NSCDC and vigilante groups were in synergy to rescue the victims.
He stated, “Just on Wednesday, all the security heads met twice to see that we get the kidnappers and rescue the victims.’’
According to him, this kind of synergy and cooperation from residents provide security agents useful information that helps them to succeed.
He said that Kogi State had recorded a drastic drop in kidnapping incidents and crimes due to synergy and cooperation from residents.
The state security adviser said though they might not be able to completely eradicate crime in the state, they were making efforts to tackle any that reared its ugly head.
He assured families of the abducted passengers that they would be released unhurt.
He added, “We want Kogi to be a haven for all residents and passers-by alike.”
(NAN)
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