Suspected bandits on Wednesday morning launched another deadly attack on Irunda Ile in Yagba East Local Government Area of Kogi State, killing two residents. A subsequent protest by angry youths turned violent, leading to the alleged killing of two more people by police operatives.
The bandits were said to have invaded the community in the early hours, prompting tension among residents. Shortly after the attack, youths took to the streets to protest what they described as incessant bandit invasions.
Eyewitnesses said trouble started when security operatives arrived and the youths insisted they should immediately enter the bush to pursue the fleeing attackers. The disagreement escalated, and in the confusion, police allegedly opened fire and released tear gas, resulting in the death of two youths and several others sustaining injuries.
The Bobagunwa of Irunda Isanlu, Chief (Engr.) David Oni Sunday, confirmed that four people were killed in total.
“There was an attack by bandits which led to the death of two vigilantes. When the police arrived, they were reluctant to chase the bandits, and that led to a confrontation with the youths. From there, they mistakenly killed two youths, while others were hospitalized after inhaling tear gas,” he said.
Kogi State Government’s Security Adviser, Commander Jerry Omadora (rtd), also confirmed the incident. He said the vigilantes were killed while confronting the bandits, describing the reaction of the protesting youths as unfortunate.
“Security men have been drafted to Yagba to chase the bandits away. Even those occupying our mine site have been neutralized. The Kogi State Government will not allow criminals to operate. A few days ago, a helicopter was deployed to the area and we recorded major successes,” he said.
Omadora added that security operations would continue until all bandits operating in the area are neutralised.
