Gunmen kill many, burn houses in Kogi

An unspecified number of people have been reportedly killed and hundreds of houses burnt when gunmen in the early hours of Sunday attacked Aloko, a community in Oganenigu Ward of Dekina Local Government Area (LGA) of Kogi State.

Daily Trust gathered that the militia in their hundreds launched their latest attack from a base in the neighbouring Bassa LGA.

Residents said that the invading militia started shooting anyone in sight and set houses ablaze on arrival.

The Oganenigu Ward chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), James Adah, is said to be among those killed in the attack.

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Locals said that a detachment of the Nigerian Army from Oguma Army Base in Bassa came after the marauders had left.

“There’s a humanitarian crises on our hands. Most of our people have run to Iyale, Ikpakpala, Odolu and host of others to take refuge, while others that have no place to go are stranded on the Abejukollo-Anyigba Road,” said a resident, Richard Adejo.

Police in Kogi have yet to make any statement on the attack and efforts to speak to the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP William Aya, over the attack proved abortive as his line was not reachable.

He has also yet to respond to a text message from our correspondent.

Meanwhile, Governor Yahaya Bello has called for calm over the attacks, describing “the vile and satanic attack as a calculated assault on the peace-loving people of Oganenigu who have enjoyed relative peace and security for years.

“My administration will continue to face out crisis entrepreneurs from the state and ensure that those involved shall be brought to book under the laws.”

Bello assured of his administration commit resources to hunt down the criminals and make them pay for their crimes.

“The government will never bow to the machinations of heartless elements in its resolves to rid the state of criminals,” he added.