At least four suspected bandits were killed after an assault on the Ayetoro Kiri community in the Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State during a violent shootout on Sunday evening.
The government of the state stated on Monday that approximately 13 individuals were taken in the assault.
Kingsley Fanwo, the Commissioner for Information and Communications, stated at a press conference that the assault took place in Ayetoro Kiri, a farming community in a rural area.
He stated that the ongoing attacks by bandits in nearby Niger and Kwara States have driven criminal elements into Kogi, indicating that the state government has implemented a coordinated security framework to address these threats, though the impacted region still needs further support.
Fanwo stated that local hunters in the area bravely fought back against the assault, clashing with the bandits in a violent gunfire exchange that resulted in the neutralization of four suspects, while many others fled with gunshot injuries.
He revealed that 13 individuals were taken during the event but assured that hunters and other security personnel are presently pursuing the escaping bandits in the forest, with continuous efforts focused on rescuing the kidnapped victims.
“We are quite hopeful that the kidnapped persons will be rescued,” Fanwo said.
The Commissioner stated that soldiers from the 12 Brigade of the Nigerian Army and members of the Kogi State Police Command have been sent to the community, noting that the state would establish a robust joint security team in the region to protect lives and property.
He also disclosed that the Department of State Services is actively backing the operation by collecting and analyzing intelligence.
Fanwo additionally requested air assistance from the Nigerian Air Force to enhance current ground operations and bolster the security response.
“The Governor of the State, His Excellency Alh Ahmed Usman Ododo, is engaging the service chiefs with the aim of ensuring an air raid of the forest by the Air Force to support the ground duel of the Army, Police, and local hunters,” he said.
The commissioner praised the bravery and patriotism of the local hunters for rising to the occasion and assured locals that the government is still in complete control of the situation.
He emphasized that Governor Ododo is steadfastly devoted to the preservation of lives and property throughout Kogi State, assuring Kogites that the government is steadily winning the struggle against criminal groups.
“Their movement has been restricted by our security network. What they are doing now is attacking soft targets like churches. We have come up with measures to tighten security around the state.
“We are grateful for the cooperation of security agencies and our local hunters. We are winning the battle already,” he assured.
Recall that less than two weeks ago, four people were killed when suspected bandits launched a devastating attack on Irunda Ile in Yagba East LGA.
Commander Jerry Omodara (retd), the State Security Adviser, stated that the bandits raided the town early Wednesday morning and killed two vigilantes who confronted them.
