Kogi Govt Condemns Killing Of Three Police Officers And Two Vigilantes In Yagba West

The Kogi State Government has condemned the brutal killing of three police officers and two vigilante officials at a checkpoint in Egbe, Yagba West Local Government Area, describing the incident as a grave assault on security personnel working to protect the state.

The attack, which occurred on Wednesday, has heightened tension in the community and raised fresh concerns over the safety of operatives confronting banditry and violent crime in the North-Central state.

In a statement on Thursday, the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, said Governor Usman Ododo had directed security agencies to launch a full-scale investigation and bring the perpetrators to justice without delay.

“The Kogi State Government has received with deep concern reports of security breaches at two flashpoints in the state today, including an attack on security personnel in Yagba West which tragically led to the loss of some gallant police officers, and a kidnapping incident along the Lokoja-Obajana road,” Fanwo said.

He noted, however, that the swift intervention of the Nigerian Army and local hunters led to the rescue of 17 passengers abducted along the Lokoja-Obajana road, praising their courage as “proof of the resilience of security operatives in the state.”

The commissioner extended condolences to the families of the slain officers and vigilantes, stressing that their sacrifice “will never be forgotten” and would continue to inspire the state’s fight against criminality.

Fanwo reiterated Ododo’s determination to turn the tide against insecurity, disclosing that additional personnel and equipment had already been deployed to vulnerable areas. He called on citizens to cooperate with security agencies by providing timely intelligence.

“The government of Kogi State will never submit to acts of terror,” he said. “Together with the support of our people and the resilience of our security forces, we will overcome those who seek to disrupt the peace of our land.”

Kogi has faced recurring security threats in recent years, including kidnapping, armed banditry, and deadly attacks on operatives. Analysts say the killings underline the risks faced by frontline personnel and the urgent need for stronger intelligence gathering, improved logistics, and deeper community engagement.