Early Friday morning, suspected Fulani gunmen attacked Agojeju-Odo, a community in Omala Local Government Council in Kogi East Senatorial District, resulting in multiple deaths.
Reports indicate that the armed attackers surrounded the community and began shooting, causing casualties and setting houses on fire.
A community leader, who narrowly escaped, spoke anonymously to our correspondent, expressing shock at the sudden attack.
He mentioned that 27 bodies have been found so far, and local vigilantes are searching the bush for missing individuals.
For the past three weeks, there have been rumors of a potential invasion, which was reported to the newly appointed Local Government Council Caretaker Chairman, Mark Edibo.
However, assurances of safety and protection were given, despite the tragic events that unfolded.
He said: “There was a misunderstanding between a young man in Agojeju-Odo with a Fulani herder on his farm after cattles ate up his yam tubers which resulted in a fight; the caretaker chairman intervened.
“Since then, the herders vowed that they will mobilize and get back and there has been apprehension,” the source said.
The Kogi State Police Public Relations Officer, SP William Ovye Aya, confirmed the attack and mentioned that the Commissioner of Police quickly sent a tactical squad to the scene to bring back peace.
The squad includes Mobile Police, Soldiers, and Vigilante men who were called in after a distress call. They are currently present at the location.
The Police Spokesman was unable to provide the number of casualties and mentioned that he would follow up after speaking with the Divisional Police Officer in charge of Omala Local Government Council.
“As for the figure of dead persons, I can’t confirm now. I will call you after I have spoken with the DPO in charge of Omala, but I know that so many people sustained gunshot injuries,” he said.
