ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- No fewer than 25 victims of an attack by bandits in Agojeju-Odo community, in the Omala Local Government Area of Kogi State, have been buried.
The deceased, which includes two women and four children who were killed by armed men last Thursday, were buried on Saturday, April 6, 2024 amid fears.
The District Head, and Ochala Onu-Ife Bagaji Odo, Omala, Chief David Akpa, described the attack as barbaric and wicked, considering the way the bandits unleashed mayhem on his people.
“We are mourning our loved ones who were killed in cold blood. We have never had any misunderstanding either with bandits or with herdsmen before now.
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“As it is now, we are living in fear, more so that we heard that they are coming to Bagaji Odo, where surviving victims are taking refuge.
“We are pleading with the federal and state governments to come to our aid and protect us from bandits,” the News Agency of Nigeria quoted him as saying.
According to Akpa, the attack was the second in 2024 and had created fear among the residents.
A community member had last Thursday alleged that a running battle between armed groups in parts of Benue State and some bandits led to the onslaught on Agojeju-Odo, Ajokpachi-Odo, Bagaji, and environs.
“They destroyed farm produce with ease in an attempt to draw the communities into the conflict,’’ the community leader added.
On his part, the Special Adviser on Security to Governor Usman Ododo, Commodore Jerry Omodara (retd.), said the governor had last Friday, ordered a thorough investigation of the incident.