7th February, 2022
The Police in Kogi have explained how gunmen chanting ‘Allahu Akhbar’ attacked their Okene Area Command Headquarters around 10pm on Sunday.
The State government, in a statement by Kingsley Fanwo, Kogi Commissioner of Police had earlier confirmed the attack on the Okene Police Division.
While also confirming the attack in a statement, William Aya, spokesperson for the Kogi Police Command explained that the yet-to-be identified gunmen attacked the police formation with sporadic gunshots and explosives chanting ‘Allahu Akhbar’.
Aya said personnel on duty responded swiftly and in the ensuing gun battle were able to kill one of the gunmen while the others ran away even before reinforcement from other divisions.
“This forced the attackers to flee before the arrival of back up teams from the neighbouring divisions,” the statement added.
He added that the state police commissioner of Police has ordered the immediate deployment of re-enforcement consisting of Counter Terrorism Units, Police Mobile Force, Intelligence team as well as Quick Response Unit along with the military and other security forces, to Okene and environs to prevent a recurrence of such attack.
According to him, the team has been mandated to track and arrest the gunmen so that they can be made to face justice.
Aya said the CP assured law abiding citizen of the state of their safety, saying there is no cause for alarm.
He quoted that the CP as assuring that the police will work with other security agencies in the state will ensure a safe and secure environment for all to go about their lawful activities.
Fanwo, in an earlier statement issued on the attack on Monday morning said, “The Kogi State Government wishes to report that the Okene Area Command of the Nigerian Police Force was attacked by gunmen numbering over 30 in the late hours of Sunday, February 6, 2022.
“However, they were shown the strength and efficacy of the Kogi security architecture as the local hunters, men of the State Vigilante Service collaborated with other security operatives to spontaneously foil the attack.
“The superior firepower of the combined security network of the state ensured one of them was gunned down immediately while others ran away with various degrees of gun wounds. Two of their motorcycles were recovered as well as various arms and ammunition. Also, explosives meant to shatter the command were immediately detonated by experts.
“The onslaught against the gunmen was coordinated by the Executive Chairmen of Local Government Areas in Kogi Central and the SSA on Security to the Governor in charge of Kogi Central.
“This is the second time in less than two months that Kogi proved impregnable to criminals as tens of them lost their lives in the attack on Yagba West LGA of the state last December.
“The Executive Governor of the State, Alh. Yahaya Bello is renowned for stating that, “the criminals will come in their numbers but go back in their zeros”. The gunmen have been thoroughly given the Kogi treat.
“No innocent lives were lost, instead, the criminals were the ones that received gun wounds and lost one of them on the spot.
“We call on traditional medical homes and other medical facilities to report anyone with gun wounds to the nearest security formation as our local hunters are giving them a run for their money in the bush right now. We shall keep you updated on developments.
“The Governor, His Excellency Alh. Yahaya Bello wishes to assure all Kogites and residents of the state that he will do everything humanly possible to secure their lives and property.