Eight Die During Police, Gunmen Clashes In Kogi
News Desk Lasilkiin
Jul 30, 2022
No fewer than three policemen and five members of the local security group members have been confirmed dead when they clashed with suspected bandits in Ajaokuta axis of Kogi State.
It was learnt that the clashes occurred when the gunmen ambushed the policemen and members of the vigilante group who were asked to prevent any possible crime within the axis.
The killings were reported to have occurred on Saturday when residents reported to the Ajaokuta police station about suspicious movements within the community.
An eyewitness told newsmen that the locals had reported at the Divisional Police Headquarters that some people were using their farms for criminal activities.
In a bid to prevent any further usage, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) immediately mobilised his men and some vigilantes with a view to repelling the impending attack.
They added that the gunmen had laid ambush for them and opened fire on sighting the security personnel and before the policemen could repeal the attack, the suspected bandits had killed three officers.
Confirming the killings, the Kogi State Security Adviser, Commander Jerry Omadara (retd.), said the three police officers and five members of local vigilantes were killed during an exchange of gunshots.
According to him, Divisional Police Officer, acting on an intelligence report that hoodlums had invaded their farm and engaged in illegal activities, mobilised officers in collaboration with men of local vigilantes and headed for the area. They were, however, ambushed and in the process, eight of them were killed including three police officers and five members of the local vigilantes.”
Omadara, however, said that no matter what, the state government would not rest until the culprits were brought to book, adding the state government under Alhaji Yahaya Bello had assured the people of the state of adequate government protection as Saturday’s incident would not be allowed to repeat itself.
