1 killed, 2 injured in Kogi bandits attack

By Thompson Yamput

One person was killed and two were injured in an attack by bandits on traders in Bagana village, Omala Local Government Area, Kogi.

This comes after villagers claimed that four traders were killed during the attack, said to have taken place at about 8.30 p.m. on Thursday.

SP William Ovye-Aya confirmed the incident, saying “From the report that reached our Command only one person, and not four was killed in the unfortunate attack by bandits.

“The person killed was the rider of the tricycle, and the two injured were the traders who were rushed to a medical facility in Abejukolo, the headquarters of Omala LGC, after a reconnaissance mission by our officers and men.

“On receipt of the report, the Commissioner of Police (CP), Edward Egbuka, quickly mobilised and deployed a tactical squad and officers of the Division to the scene to possibly fish out the perpetrators.”

Ovye-Aya said the victims, all residents of Abejukolo Community, had gone to Bagana market to trade on that faithful day, but that as they left the market, the suspected bandits attacked them around 8.30 p.m.

He said the victims were travelling in a tricycle, popularly known as a “Keke Napep” when the gunmen opened fire on them, thereby killing the rider and injuring the two traders.

The traditional ruler of Omala LGA Traditional Council, His Royal Highness Boniface Musa, the Ojogba of Ife, condemned the attack and prayed to God to give the family of the victim the fortitude to bear the loss.

He decried the incessant attacks on Bagana people by unknown gunmen, who were denying the community the desired peace and progress.

He called on both the federal and state governments to come to the aid of the community.

NAN