NB247
Not less than three police officers and five local vigilantes have been killed in an ambush by unknown gunmen at Jidda-Bassa, a community in Ajaokuta, Ajaokuta Local Government Area of Kogi State.
The incident which occurred on Saturday was reported at the Ajaokuta Police Division.
It was gathered that some persons living in Jeddah-Bassa reported to the Divisional Police Office that some unknown people had attacked their farms, carting away produce.
The DPO reportedly mobilised some of his men and the vigilantes to the scene, but before they could get to the farm, they were ambushed by some gunmen
During the attack three policemen and five members of the local vigilante were killed.
The bodies of the victims have been deposited at the Federal Medical Centre’s mortuary.
However, the development has received a stern reaction from the state government, as as the Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello has directed the suspension of the Ohi of Eganyi and Chairman, Ajaokuta Traditional Area Council, Alhaji Musa Isah Achuja with immediate effect.
Alhaji Achuja’s suspension followed the investigation that led to his arrest and detention by the security agency.
According to the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Onogwu Mohammed, the suspension was contained in a letter to the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Kogi State.
He said the governor also directed that the Chairman of Ajaokuta Local Government Area, Mustapha Aka’aba be queried over the breach and should reply within 24 hours.
The governor’s directive against the affected persons was in connection with the recent security breach in the area which led to the untimely deaths of some security personnel on their legitimate engagements of maintaining law and orders.
“The governor strongly warned other traditional rulers across the state who may have connection in one way or the other with criminal elements in their domains to desist forthwith, saying that his administration will delt ruthlessly with anybody who romances with criminal elements no matter how highly placed they are,” the statement read.
“In the same vein, Governor Bello also directed that all unofficial movements of the local government council chairmen out of their territory and other journeys without due process are hereby restricted
“The governor warned that no amount of connivance with criminals will deter him from his fundamental responsibility of protecting lives and property of the citizens and residents of the state.”
Earlier, the Security Adviser to the Kogi state governor, Jerry Omodara, said the state government would ensure the culprits were apprehended.
“They were ambushed and in the process Eight of them were killed including three Police Officers and five members of the local vigilantes,” Mr Omodara confirmed.
He said the state government would not rest until the culprits were brought to book, saying the state government had assured the people of the state of government protection as Saturday’s incident would not be allowed to repeat itself.