The Kogi State Police Command has successfully restored order following violent reprisal attacks across Abugi, Kuchinda, and Mikugi communities within the Kupa Kingdom of Lokoja Local Government Area.
​In an official statement released on Sunday afternoon, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, ASP Salisu Afusat, confirmed that joint security forces have taken full control of the affected areas to prevent further escalation and reassure residents.
​According to police and state authorities, the violence erupted around 8:00 AM after an unarmed herder was shot and killed by a local vigilante member over alleged cattle rustling.
​The incident quickly degenerated into a deadly reprisal operation carried out by armed assailants who invaded Abugi and adjoining villages, resulting in multiple casualties and widespread panic among community members.
​”The Command has deployed tactical units and reinforced patrols across Abugi, Kuchinda, and Mikugi to forestall any breakdown of law and order,” ASP Salisu Afusat stated. “Calm has been restored, and security agencies are working around the clock to track down every individual linked to these acts.”
​The intervention follows directives from Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, who condemned both the initial murder of the herder and the subsequent reprisal attacks, describing the violence as tragic and unacceptable.
The security measures currently implemented in the region include; Tactical deployments of Heavily armed mobile police and military personnel stationed along major entry points and within affected communities.
There is a targeted arrest directives issued for the manhunt of the vigilante members involved in the initial shooting and the suspected leaders of the reprisal assault group and high-level discussions with traditional rulers, community leaders, and local stakeholders in the Kupa Kingdom to maintain long-term peace.
​The Police Command urged residents of the Kupa Kingdom to remain calm and avoid taking the law into their own hands, emphasizing that perpetrators on all sides will face justice regardless of affiliation.
​Members of the public with credible information regarding the whereabouts of suspects are encouraged to report directly to the nearest police station or use emergency security hotlines provided by the Command.
