Kogi govt vows to safeguard communities after bandit attack, commiserates with victims family

By Ezurike Ugochukwu

The Kogi State Government has commiserated with families of those who lost their lives in a tragic incident in Irunda community, Yagba East Local Government Area on Wednesday.

Three people died and several others were injured in a violent incident involving bandits and community residents in Kogi State.

The government regrated the death of three of thier citizens in separate but related circumstances as a painful tragedy, it therefore extends heartfelt condolences to their families and loved ones. It prayed for the swift recovery of those who sustained injuries.

A press statement on Thursday by Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, stated that according to government reports, fleeing bandits were intercepted outside Irunda community by residents attempting to block their escape.

The statement reads, “The criminals opened fire on them, leading to the death of two members of the community, while another sustained gunshot wounds and is currently receiving medical treatment.

‘In reaction to the sad development, some youths took to the streets in protest. When military personnel arrived to restore calm, they were reportedly blocked and attacked by a section of the protesters. The confrontation resulted in the death of one youth, while several military officers sustained varying degrees of injuries.

“His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, the Executive Governor of Kogi State, has called for calm and urged the youth of Irunda and surrounding communities to cooperate fully with security agencies working tirelessly to contain criminal activities in the area. He emphasised that attacking security operatives can never resolve insecurity but will only escalate tensions and endanger more lives.

“The Governor also appealed to security agencies to continue to exercise the highest level of restraint and professionalism in the discharge of their duties, even under provocation, as the protection of lives remains the ultimate priority. The State Security Adviser has been asked to coordinate a thorough investigation into the circumstances leading to the protest and the actions of the protesters and security agencies, with a view to averting future occurrences.

“The Kogi State Government remains unwavering in its commitment to safeguarding all communities across the state. Governor Ododo has directed an intensified security operation in the area to apprehend the fleeing bandits and prevent further breakdown of law and order.”