Two communities, Agojeju Odo and Abejukolo in Omala local government area of Kogi state have been invaded by suspected herdsmen.
By the time the dust settled, no fewer than 19 people have been killed while yet to be ascertained number of houses have been razed.
Eye witnessed accounts told our correspondent in Lokoja on Friday that the incident happened on Thursday when the bandits mobilised in what he described as a “repraisal attack” and invaded the two communities inflicting maximum damages.
The bandits who were having running battle with Agatu militia in Benue state, had extended their onslaught to the sleepy town of Agojeju Odo, Ajokpachi Odo, Bagaji and her environs destroying their farm produce with ease in attempt to draw them into the conflict.
A local who lost his wife and children, said that the herdsmen decided to unleash mayhem on them after alleging that the people were in complicit with the Agatus again them.
Another local who spoke to our correspondent but did not want his name mentioned said that ‘’the state governor Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo and Security Agencies should proactively come to our aid by deploying security personnel to the area, as the police in the Local Government Council have been overwhelmed and overpowered by the Invaders.
As the time time of filling this report, the town has been reduced to rubbles while the driving ones have fled the communities.
The public relations officer of the Kogi state police command, SP William Aya while confirming the incident said that “19 people were killed in the communal clashes that occurred on Thursday” adding that officers and men of the state police command, counter terrorism unit and the army have been mobilised to restore normalcy in the area.
“As soon as we got wind of the incident, the Commissioner of police mobilised all units including counter terrorism unit ,army and other sister security agencies to the area to restore normalcy .As we speak peace has returned to the communities,” he said. (With Agency Additional Reports)
