Shooting Causes Panic In Okene

Economic activities in Kogi state, particularly in Lokoja and Okene, were paralysed Tuesday following reports that there were sporadic shootings in the state in northcentral Nigeria.

It was also alleged that an improvised explosive device was discovered within the premises of Revival Fire Church at Phase II area of Lokoja, the Kogi State capital.

Banks, workers, taxi drivers and commercial motorcycle operators were thrown into panic as they all hurriedly closed for the day. There was no official confirmation of the two incidents.

Today’s incidents followed yesterday’s attack by gunmen on worshippers of Deeper Life Bible Church at Otite, resulting in the death of 19 people.

Fifteen worshippers died on the spot while four others who were severely injured later died. Some of the injured victims are still receiving treatment in the hospitals.

The state Governor, Captain Idris Wada, has promised to smoke out those behind the dastardly act.

The governor, who visited the Deeper Life Bible Church at Otite where the killings took place, siad the blood of those children they killed would be upon them.

He assured both Muslim and Christian worshipers in the state of adequate security.

Captain Wada who also visited those that sustained gunshot injuries at Okene General Hospital promised the victims that the state government would foot their medical bills.

At the Palace of Ohinoyi of Ebira land, Alhaji Dr. Ado Ibrahim, the governor charged the first class traditional ruler to wake up and arrest the situation, saying that he was not happy with what was happening in his domain.

He charged the royal father to use his wealth of experience to curb the ugly security situation in his senatorial district.

He said he was disturbed at the alarming rate at which crime is committed in the area, noting that if there is no security in that area, no any meaningful development would take place.

The governor also commended the security agents in the state for their quick intervention in bringing the situation under control.

In his response, the Ohinoyi said he was the saddest person in the wake of the incident and promised to do everything possible to bring the situation under control.

Meanwhile, security agents have been deployed to strategic locations in Lokoja and Okene. They are patrolling streets with armoured personnel carriers and patrol vehicles.

By Stephen Oni/Ilorin