The Kogi State Government has condemned the gruesome killing of three police officers and two vigilante officials in Egbe, Yagba West Local Government Area, calling for a full-scale investigation and the arrest of the perpetrators.
The tragic incident occurred on Wednesday when the officers were attacked at a checkpoint in Egbe, sparking tension in the community.
Wednesday’s killings are among the deadliest in recent months, raising concerns over the safety of security personnel and the capacity of vigilante groups who complement police efforts in rural communities.
The attack in Egbe highlights the growing security challenges in parts of Kogi State, a strategic North-Central state that borders the Federal Capital Territory and several other states.
Kogi has, in recent years, grappled with incidents of banditry, kidnapping, and violent attacks on security operatives.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, said the state government was “deeply concerned” by the reports, and had directed security agencies to unravel the circumstances behind the killings.
“The Kogi State Government has received with deep concern reports of security breaches at two flashpoints in the State today, including an attack on security personnel in Yagba West Local Government Area, which tragically led to the loss of some gallant police officers, and a kidnapping incident along the Lokoja-Obajana road”, the statement partly read.
Fanwo, however, disclosed that the 17 passengers abducted along the Lokoja-Obajana road were rescued through the swift intervention of the Nigerian Army and local hunters, describing their efforts as “highly commendable” and proof of the resilience of security operatives in the state.
He added, “We stand in solidarity with the people in the affected areas and extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of the fallen officers who paid the supreme price in the line of duty. Their sacrifice will never be forgotten, and their courage will continue to inspire the fight against criminality in our dear state.”
The commissioner stressed that Ododo had reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to turn the tide against crime, noting that additional personnel and security equipment had already been deployed to strategic locations to forestall further breaches.
“The Government of Kogi State calls on security agencies to intensify investigations to ensure that the perpetrators of these heinous crimes are arrested and brought to justice without delay.
“We equally urge citizens to continue to cooperate with security operatives by providing timely and useful information that will aid the fight against crime”, Fanwo said.
He assured residents that the administration would never submit to acts of terror.
“Together with the support of the people and the resilience of our security agencies, we will overcome those who seek to disrupt the peace of our land,” he concluded.
PUNCH Online reports that the state government, under Ododo, has consistently pledged to strengthen security infrastructure, investing in local vigilante outfits, surveillance technology, and coordination with federal forces.
However, the killings of police officers underline the risks faced by frontline operatives and the need for better intelligence gathering, logistics support, and community trust-building.
