By Idris Ahmed, Lokoja.
Commander of the Kogi local government area vigilante group, Mallam Alhassan Alhassan was on Tuesday, felled by the bullet of gunmen suspected to be kidnappers in a fierce shootout at Ottoyi village on the Niger and Kogi states border.
A source close to the vigilantes revealed that a gun battle that lasted for for about 30 minute at about 11:30 am to 12 O’Clock of Tuesday, scores of the bandits were also killed several others escaped injuries.
According to the source, the gallant Alhassan Alhassan who was the commander of the vigilantes successfully led his boys to destroy 2 of the kidnappers camps, killing many and injured some.
Army uniform, magazines, dangerously weapons, toiletries and foodstuff Ingredients were recovered from the kidnap camps, while two kidnapped persons were also said to have been rescued.
The decease commander was said to have sustained injury on his head and was rushed to a nearby village for first Aid, but gave up on the way to the village clinic at Ahoko in Kogi local government area of Kogi state.
Kogi local government area which was a den of kidnappers and bandits was cleared following the concerted efforts of the vigilantes who are said said to be very organised and committed to the defence of the people.
Meanwhile, Community leaders in Koton large have expressed their condolences over the death of the gallant and heroic Alhassan, whom they said didn’t die in vain, in honour for defending the area.
While commending the vigilantes for their gallantry and patriotism, the community leaders urge the state Governor to reward them and the late commander’s family adequately.
A statement just released by the government also commiserated with the immediate family of the late Alhassan Alhassan who died for the people of the state, describing him as a martyr and prayed God to grant him eternal rest.
The statement issued on behalf of government by the state Commissioner for solid minerals and natural resources, Engineer Bashir Gegu, also wished the people of the state to bear the irreparable lost and grant him Aljanat fidaus.
It urged the gallant youth not to despair as death a necessary end will come when it Wii come.
