Minister faults killing of 25 persons in Kogi State

As monarch accuses herdsmen

MINISTER of Steel Development, Shuaibu Abubakar Audu, yesterday, condemned the recent killings that took place in Abejukolo and Agojeju Odo, two communities in Omala Council of Kogi State.

Adudu, in a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media, Lizzy Okoji, expressed his condolences to the families of the victims.

Audu called on the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and the Governor of Kogi State, Usman Ododo, to prioritise the security of the communities in the state and to address any dispute that may have contributed to the incident.

The minister also called for a thorough investigation into the incident towards identifying and holding accountable those responsible for the crime, to serve as a deterrent to others.

In a statement, Audu stated, “I condemn in strong terms the recent killings in Agojeju Odo, and Abejukolo communities of Kogi East, which left over 19 people dead. This is unacceptable and will not be allowed to continue.”

MEANWHILE, the district head and traditional ruler of Bagaji Odo in Omala Local Council, David Akpa, has alleged that suspected herdsmen were behind the killing of 25 persons in the Agojeju- Odo community.

The second- class monarch, who spoke to journalists, who visited the community for an on- the- spot assessment after the attack, said the Agojeju- Odo community had been completely deserted.

According to him, the residents of the affected community had relocated to Bagaji Odo, Abejikolo, Acha and other neighbouring communities over the fear of further attack.

He said: “The herdsmen are behind the attack at AgojejuOdo community, which led to the death of 25 people. They came in their numbers and started killing our people.