Kogi community witnesses 25 deaths as Monarch accuses herdsmen

HRH David Akpa, the district head and traditional ruler of Bagaji Odo in Omala Local Government Area of Kogi State, has attributed the attack in Agojeju-Odo community, which resulted in the death of 25 people, to herdsmen.

Speaking to Obasanjonews.com on Saturday, the monarch revealed that the community has been completely abandoned as residents have relocated to neighboring communities such as Bagaji Odo, Abejikolo, and Acha due to the fear of further attacks.

He explained that the herdsmen have been not only killing people but also destroying crops and preventing the locals from accessing their farms.

The traditional ruler pleaded with the government to provide security for his people, as there are reports that the herdsmen are planning to attack Bagaji Odo as well.

Joshua Salifu, one of the survivors of the attack, shared his harrowing experience. He recounted that the herdsmen arrived at around 3:00 am on Thursday and mercilessly killed numerous people.

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Salifu expressed his anguish over the loss of his wife and children, as well as the burial of 25 individuals in their village.

He emphasized that this was not the first attack, as four people had been killed in a previous incident.

The constant threat of violence has prevented the community from tending to their farms, which is a significant concern with the rainy season approaching.

Salifu pleaded with the government to provide adequate security so that they can safely return to their community.

It is worth noting that Agojeju-Odo community had previously experienced an attack in January 2024, where four people lost their lives. The perpetrators of this attack remain unidentified.

The repeated acts of violence have left the community in a state of fear and desperation, prompting the urgent need for government intervention and protection.

The safety and well-being of the residents are at stake, as they continue to face the brutal actions of the herdsmen.

The government must act swiftly to address this escalating crisis and ensure the security of the affected communities.