Six more bodies of the victims of recent banditry attack on Agojeju-Odo community, Omala Local Government Area of Kogi State, have been recovered from bush.
This brings to 25, the number of lives lost to the gun attack launched on the community in the late hours of Thursday, April 4.
All the victims were buried on Saturday, April 6.
Police is yet to arrest any suspect in connection with the attack.
Apart from the killing of 25 residents of Agojeju-Odo community, the gunmen also set many houses and personal properties of the residents ablaze.
The District Head, Ochala Onu-Ife Bagaji Odo, Omala, Chief David Akpa, described the attack as barbaric and wicked given 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.
“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,” he pleaded.
Akpa , further disclosed that the attack was the second in 2024 and had created fear among the residents.
A community member had alleged last Thursday 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,’’ he said.
Special Adviser on Security to Governor Usman Ododo, retired Commodore Jerry Omodara, said last Friday that the governor had ordered a thorough investigation into the incident.
(vitalnewsngr.com)
