By Stephen Adeleye

The Kogi Government has ordered arrest of a leader of a vigilante group and others after death of a herder led to reprisal killings in Abugi, Kuchinda and Mikugi communities of Kupa Kingdom, Lokoja Local Government Area of the state.

This was revealed in a statement issued to commiserate with families of victims of reprisal killings by the state government on Thursday.

Kogi Commissioner for Information and Communications, Mr Kingsley Fanwo who signed the statement vowed that all perpetrators of the reprisal killings would be apprehended and prosecuted.

He described the incident as tragic, senseless and unacceptable, stressing that no misunderstanding should result in the loss of innocent lives.

Fanwo said Gov. Ahmed Ododo extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and the entire Kupa Kingdom, praying for the peaceful repose of the deceased and comfort for those left behind.

According to him, preliminary reports showed that the crisis began after an unarmed herder was allegedly shot and killed by a member of the local vigilante on suspicion of cattle rustling.

The commissioner said the killing was followed by a reprisal attack allegedly carried out by armed persons, who targeted innocent residents of Abugi, Kuchinda and Mikugi, resulting in multiple deaths and heightened tension in the area.

“The Kogi government condemns in the strongest terms, both the killing of the unarmed herder and subsequent reprisal attack.

“These are criminal acts that have no place in our society.

“Anyone found to have participated in either incident, regardless of status or ethnic affiliation, will face the full wrath of the law,” Fanwo stated.

The commissioner disclosed that the governor has directed security agencies to take control of the affected communities, restore peace and prevent further breakdown of law and order.

“The governor has ordered the immediate arrest of the vigilante member, alleged to have killed the herder, as well as those behind the reprisal attack, including the leader of the Hybrid Vigilante Group suspected to have coordinated the assault.”

He appealed to residents to remain calm and resist reprisals, and urged members of the public to cooperate with security agencies by providing credible information to aid investigations and arrests.

He said the state government is working closely with security agencies, traditional rulers, community leaders and other stakeholders to restore lasting peace across Kupa Kingdom and rebuild confidence among affected communities.

The commissioner reiterated the Ododo administration’s commitment to protecting every resident of Kogi

He stressed that government will continue to uphold justice, strengthen peaceful coexistence and ensure that criminals have no hiding place in the state. (NAN)