12 killed as violence erupts in Kogi community

AT least twelve persons have been killed during a violence that broke out in Kpanche community of Bassa local government area of Kogi State.

Unknown gunmen had at about 5.30 am on Sunday invaded the community and started shooting indiscriminately and setting houses ablaze following which many people were hit by gunshots.
The violence was said to be a follow up to the one that erupted between the Igbirra Mozum and Bassa Kwomu people in the local government area.

It was gathered that the incident might not be unconnected with the December 2016 uprising in which the Igburra Mozum people allegedly attacked the Bassa Kwomu masquerades.
The assailants were said to have razed down five houses an unspecified number of vehicles, tricycles, motorcycles and other property.

Eye witnessed account however alleged that the gunmen were suspected Fulani herdsmen, who invaded the community in the early hour of the day, forcing people to abandon their homes and run for safety.However, while confirming the incident, the Kogi State Commissioner of Police, Mr Ali Janga, blamed the invasion on unknown gunmen.

According to him, the victims included five residents of the community, while five of the armed bandits were also killed by the security agents.
He said, “Yes five lives were lost in the village but operatives of the police mobile force and soldiers repelled them and succeeded in killing five and recovered some weapons.
 “So far normalcy has been restored in the area.”
He said that investigation into the incident had commenced.