Kupa Killings: Kogi Vows Justice, Moves to Restore Peace

The Kogi State Government has assured residents of Kupa Kingdom that those responsible for the recent reprisal killings in Abugi, Kuchinda and Mikugi communities of Lokoja Local Government Area will be arrested and prosecuted, as it intensifies efforts to restore peace and prevent further violence.

The government, while commiserating with families who lost loved ones in the attacks, described the killings as tragic, senseless and unacceptable, insisting that no grievance or misunderstanding should degenerate into the loss of innocent lives.

The assurance was contained in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, who conveyed Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo’s heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and the people of Kupa Kingdom.

According to the statement, preliminary findings revealed that the crisis was triggered after an unarmed herder was allegedly shot dead by a member of the local vigilante group on suspicion of cattle rustling.

The government said the incident was followed by a deadly reprisal attack allegedly carried out by armed assailants, who invaded Abugi, Kuchinda and Mikugi communities, killing several innocent residents and escalating tensions in the area.

Fanwo disclosed that Governor Ododo has directed security agencies to take full control of the affected communities, restore law and order and ensure that those responsible for the violence are brought to justice without delay.

He said the Governor specifically ordered the immediate arrest of the vigilante member alleged to have killed the herder, as well as all those linked to the reprisal attack, including the leader of the Hybrid Vigilante Group suspected of coordinating the assault.

“The Kogi State Government condemns in the strongest terms both the killing of the unarmed herder and the subsequent reprisal attack. These are criminal acts that have no place in our society. Anyone found to have participated in either incident, regardless of status or ethnic affiliation, will face the full weight of the law,” the statement said.

The government appealed to residents to remain calm and avoid acts of retaliation capable of worsening the security situation, urging members of the public to cooperate with security agencies by providing credible information that would assist ongoing investigations and the arrest of all suspects.

Fanwo added that the state government is working closely with security agencies, traditional rulers, community leaders and other stakeholders to restore lasting peace across Kupa Kingdom and rebuild confidence among the affected communities.

He reaffirmed Governor Ododo’s commitment to safeguarding the lives and property of all residents, stressing that the administration remains resolute in promoting justice, peaceful coexistence and ensuring that criminals have no hiding place anywhere in Kogi State.