Kupa Bloodshed: Kogi Vows Justice for Victims

The Kogi State Government has condemned the reprisal killings in Abugi, Guchidan and Mikugi communities of Kupa Kingdom in Lokoja Local Government Area, expressing sympathy with the families of those who lost their lives.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, described the incident as tragic, senseless and unacceptable, assuring that everyone involved would be identified, arrested and prosecuted. He said Governor Ahmed Ododo extended his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and the people of Kupa Kingdom, praying for the peaceful repose of the victims and comfort for their loved ones.
According to the commissioner, preliminary findings indicate that the crisis started after an unarmed herder was allegedly shot dead by a local vigilante member on suspicion of cattle rustling. The incident reportedly triggered a reprisal attack by armed individuals who targeted innocent residents of Abugi, Guchidan and Mikugi communities, resulting in multiple deaths and heightened tension.
Fanwo stressed that the state government strongly condemns both the killing of the herder and the retaliatory attack, describing them as criminal acts that have no place in society. He warned that anyone found to have participated in either incident, regardless of status or ethnic background, would face the full weight of the law.
He disclosed that Governor Ododo has directed security agencies to take full control of the affected communities, restore peace and prevent any further breakdown of law and order. The governor also ordered the immediate arrest of the vigilante member accused of killing the herder, as well as those behind the reprisal attack, including the leader of the Hybrid Vigilante Group allegedly linked to coordinating the assault.
The commissioner appealed to residents to remain calm, avoid reprisals and support security agencies with credible information that could assist ongoing investigations and arrests. He added that the government is working closely with security agencies, traditional rulers, community leaders and other stakeholders to restore lasting peace in Kupa Kingdom and rebuild confidence among affected communities.
Fanwo reaffirmed the Ododo administration’s commitment to protecting every resident of Kogi State, pledging to uphold justice, promote peaceful coexistence and ensure that criminals have no hiding place in the state. (NAN)