Burial Held for Victims of Agojeju-Odo Community Attack in Kogi State

The victims of Thursday’s attack on Agojeju-Odo community in Omala Local Government Area of Kogi State were laid to rest on Saturday.

District Head and Ochala Onu-Ife Bagaji Odo, Chief David Akpa, confirmed to newsmen in his palace that the burials included two women and four children among others.

Chief Akpa condemned the attack as barbaric and wicked, highlighting the brutality of the bandits who unleashed mayhem on his people.

He expressed fear for the safety of surviving victims, especially as there are rumors of impending attacks on Bagaji Odo where they have sought refuge.

“We are mourning our loved ones who were killed in cold blood.

We have never had any misunderstanding either with bandits or with herdsmen before now,” he stated, appealing to the federal and state governments to intervene and protect them from bandits.

Akpa noted that Thursday’s attack was the second of its kind in the year, indicating a growing insecurity in the region.

A community member had earlier alleged that a clash between militia groups in Benue and bandits led to the attack, with the bandits destroying farm produce in an attempt to escalate the conflict.

Retired Commodore Jerry Omodara, Special Adviser on Security to Governor Usman Ododo, condemned the attack, describing it as callous and unacceptable.

He assured that the governor had ordered a thorough investigation into the incident and called for calm among residents.

Meanwhile, Police spokesman in Kogi, SP Williams Ovye-Aya, confirmed the attack and assured that security operatives were on high alert in the community to prevent further attacks.

He stated that a tactical response team comprising the police, military, and vigilance groups had been deployed in the area, and investigations were ongoing to apprehend the perpetrators.