Three police officers, two vigilantes killed in Kogi attack

Kogi map

The Kogi State Government has condemned the gruesome killing of three police officers and two vigilante officials in Egbe, Yagba West Local Government Area, calling for a full-scale investigation and the arrest of the perpetrators.

The tragic incident occurred on Wednesday when the officers were attacked at a checkpoint in Egbe, sparking tension in the community.

Wednesday’s killings are among the deadliest in recent months, raising concerns over the safety of security personnel and the capacity of vigilante groups who complement police efforts in rural communities.

The attack in Egbe highlights the growing security challenges in parts of Kogi State, a strategic North-Central state that borders the Federal Capital Territory and several other states.

Kogi has, in recent years, grappled with incidents of banditry, kidnapping, and violent attacks on security operatives.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, said the state government was “deeply concerned” by the reports, and had directed security agencies to unravel the circumstances behind the killings.

“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 Local Government Area, which tragically led to the loss of some gallant police officers, and a kidnapping incident along the Lokoja-Obajana road”, the statement partly read. Punch