Police probe Kogi reprisal after five killed

File. A Nigerian Policeman

The Kogi State Police Command says it has restored calm following recent reprisal killings in Abugi and adjoining communities in the state.

A statement issued on Sunday by the command’s spokesperson, Afusat Salisu, stated that the command had taken decisive steps to prevent further escalation and restore peace in the affected area.

Recall that no fewer than five persons were killed in what was later identified as a reprisal following the killing of a herder in the community on Thursday.

“The Area Command, Lokoja, 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,” Afusat noted.

She said the command had also commenced a full-scale investigation into the incident through the State Criminal Investigation Department, with efforts underway to identify, trace and apprehend all persons found to have participated in or contributed to the killings.

“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,” she said.

She said that following the interventions and stakeholder engagements, normalcy had been restored in Abugi and its environs, with security monitoring continuing to ensure sustained peace.

“The restoration of calm, however, 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,” she added.

Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police, Naziru Kankarofi, reiterated that the command remained fully committed to protecting residents’ lives and property across the state.

The command’s police chief urged members of the public to remain law-abiding and promptly report suspicious movements or activities to the police and other security agencies.