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IDRIS AHMED, LOKOJA
Hundreds of suspected herdsmen were reported to have attacked Ogane nigu community in Dekina Local Area of Kogi state, killing 8 persons, razed down 50 houses.
Amongst the eight killed during the attack was the ward Chairman of All Progressive Congress (APC) in the area
Mr David Abimaje, a Community Leader, made the disclosure on Tuesday, when Gov Yahaya Bello paid a visit to Ogane nigu community alongside heads of security agencies in the state.
Abimaje alleged that the attack was carried out by gunmen suspected to be herdsmen between 7.00a.m. and 8.00a.m. of Sunday, March 2.
“Mr Governor Sir, it’s unfortunate that Ogane nigu community, which comprises of 32 villages has no single police station even in the face of several attacks by herdsmen.
”This particular attack has been rumoured and we alerted the security agents, who came around on Saturday but left after a while that same day only for the attackers to come next day Sunday and attacked us.
”By our records, eight people lost their lives in the Sunday attack including the APC Ward Chairman while 50 houses were destroyed, ” Abimaje said.
The community leader , however, appealed to the Federal, State and Local Governments to come to the aid of their communities and put an end to incessant attacks on them by herdsmen.
He appealed to the Governor to facilitate the establishment of Military Forward Base that will oversee the security of the 32 communities in Ogane nigu so as to “save our lives, property and ancestoral homes from herdsmen.”
Kogi state Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, has vowed to bring the perpetrators behind the Sunday attacks on Ogane nigu communities in Dekina Local Area to justice.
Bello, who spoke through his Deputy, Chief Edward Onoja, described the attacks as ”barbaric” and “unacceptable” deserving serious action to be taken to forestall a re occurrence.
”As we speak, the military have been fully on ground from the very day that the incident happened and have forestalled more casualties, and they will continue to be on ground.
”There will be more deployment of the Mobile Police and Anti Terrorism Squad that would also be on ground.
“State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) team is already here and has taken stock of the situation to ensure quick intervention in form of palliatives to cushion the effect of the pains for the community.
”Kogi is proactive, we do not waste time in dealing with issues and challenges of our people.
”We come here with the entire team with both the humanitarian and security aspects of it, do our findings so that we can find a lasting solution to it.
”These incidences may happen once in a very blue moon, but not a re occurrence in Kogi, and even when it happens those who make it happen do not go scot free, ” Bello said
The governor, later on Wednesday, held an expanded meeting with Security Heads, Leaders of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association (MACBAN) from Kogi and Nasarawa chapters, traditional rulers, local government chairmen of Idah, Igalamela-Odolu, Olamaboro and Dekina at the Attta Igala’s Palace in Idah.
