By By Elizabeth Ugbo
At least seven people were killed on Thursday after armed men attacked Abugi, Kuchinda and Mikugi communities in Kupa Kingdom, Lokoja Local Government Area of Kogi State, following the killing of a herder at a vigilante checkpoint.
How the Kupa Attack Started
Residents said the violence began around 8:00 a.m. after vigilantes reportedly shot a herder during a heated altercation at a checkpoint.
A few hours later, heavily armed men invaded the affected communities. They reportedly opened fire from different directions.
The attackers targeted streets, markets and the palace of the paramount traditional ruler.
As a result, several residents died, while others sustained gunshot injuries. The attack also caused widespread property destruction.
Residents described the incident as a reprisal attack linked to the earlier killing of the herder.
Seven Confirmed Dead in Kupa Communities
A resident, Ahmed, said seven people had died as of Thursday night.
He, however, warned that the death toll could increase. Search teams are still working to identify victims.
“Few hours after the checkpoint incident between a herder and vigilantes, armed hoodlums invaded the town,” Ahmed said.
He added that many residents fled to safer communities during the attack.
According to him, the situation may become clearer after displaced residents return home.
Among those confirmed dead was Prince Aliyu Isah Kabir. He was the son of the Mayaki of Kupa.
Kabir also served as the APC Youth Leader for Kupa South wards.
Lokoja Council Orders Immediate Security Response
The Chairman of Lokoja Local Government Area, Comrade Abdullahi Adamu, confirmed the attack.
Adamu said the violence caused deaths and extensive destruction across the Kupa communities.
He directed security agencies to track down everyone involved in the attack.
“We have charged the relevant security agencies to swing into action and arrest anyone who has a hand,” Adamu said.
He added that anyone linked to the attack would face the full weight of the law.
Kogi Government Condemns Reprisal Attack
The Kogi State Government condemned both incidents in strong terms.
It described the killing of the herder and the subsequent attack as criminal acts.
The government also vowed to investigate the circumstances surrounding the violence.
It promised to identify those responsible and prosecute them.
Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, signed the statement.
“The Kogi State Government condemns in the strongest terms both the killing of the unarmed herder and the subsequent reprisal attack,” the statement said.
The government stressed that ethnic affiliation would not shield anyone from prosecution.
It also urged residents to reject further reprisals and cooperate with security agencies.
Governor Ododo Directs Security Agencies to Restore Peace
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo sympathised with families affected by the violence.
He also directed security agencies to restore peace in the affected communities.
Furthermore, the governor ordered them to take full control of the areas.
He also directed security personnel to arrest those responsible for the killings.
The state government appealed for calm as security agencies continue their investigation.
“The government is saddened by this devilish act and will leave no stone unturned,” the statement said.
It also urged residents to provide credible information to investigators.
Police Yet to Comment
Efforts to obtain a reaction from the Kogi State Police Command were unsuccessful.
The command’s spokesperson, ASP Saliu Oyiza Afusat, did not answer calls.
She also did not respond to a text message as of press time.
Meanwhile, authorities continue efforts to establish the full scale of the violence.
Security agencies are expected to identify and arrest those responsible for both incidents.
Residents have also been urged to avoid actions that could trigger another cycle of violence.
