A series of retaliatory attacks in Kupa Kingdom, located in the Lokoja Local Government Area of Kogi State, has left eight people dead. The violence erupted after a local vigilante member allegedly shot and killed an unarmed herder, claiming he was involved in cattle rustling. Following this incident, armed individuals targeted residents in the communities of Abugi, Kuchinda, and Mikugi.
Kogi State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, confirmed the reports of the deaths on Thursday. Governor Ahmed Ododo has instructed security forces to secure the area, restore order, and apprehend everyone involved in both the initial shooting and the subsequent reprisal killings. Authorities are also actively searching for the leader of the Hybrid Vigilante Group, who is suspected of orchestrating the retaliatory assault.
The state government has issued a firm condemnation of the violence, labeling both the killing of the herder and the retaliatory attacks as unacceptable criminal acts. Commissioner Fanwo stated that the administration intends to prosecute all offenders, regardless of their background. Governor Ododo has appealed to the residents of Kupa Kingdom to maintain peace while the government works with traditional leaders and law enforcement to stabilize the region.
