By our correspondant, Lokoja
The Kogi State Government has confirmed that four suspected bandits were neutralised by local hunters during a fierce gun battle following an attack and abduction of 13 persons in Ayetoro-Kiri community, Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area.
Hon. Kingsley Femi Fanwo, the state Commissioner for Information and Communications, said the hoodlums had earlier invaded the rural farming community before meeting stiff resistance from local hunters.
Fanwo explained that sustained military operations against bandits in neighbouring Niger and Kwara States had forced criminal elements to shift towards Kogi. He noted that while the state has already deployed a coordinated security architecture to counter such threats, the affected area requires additional reinforcement.
According to him, local hunters courageously resisted the attack, engaging the bandits in a fierce exchange of gunfire that led to the neutralisation of four suspects, while several others escaped with gunshot wounds. He disclosed that 13 persons were abducted during the incident but assured that hunters and other security operatives are currently on the trail of the fleeing bandits.
Fanwo expressed optimism that the ongoing search by security personnel combing forests and bushes would lead to the safe rescue of the kidnapped victims. “We are quite hopeful that the kidnapped persons will be rescued,” he said.
The Commissioner confirmed that troops of the 12 Brigade of the Nigerian Army and personnel of the Nigeria Police, Kogi State Command, have since been deployed to the community. He also appealed for air support from the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) to complement ground operations and strengthen the security response.
“The Governor of the State, His Excellency Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, is engaging the service chiefs with the aim of ensuring an air raid of the forest by the Air Force to support the ground duel of the Army, Police, and local hunters,” Fanwo stated.
He commended the bravery and patriotism of the local hunters for rising to the occasion, reassuring residents that the government remains firmly in control of the situation.
“Their movement has been restricted. With our security network, what they are doing now is to attack soft targets like churches. We have come up with measures to tighten security around the state. We are grateful for the cooperation of security agencies and our local hunters. We are winning the battle already,” he assured.
It will be recalled that gunmen had attacked the First ECWA Church in Ayetoro-Kiri on Sunday, killing one worshipper, identified as Jayjay, and abducting 20 others, according to local sources.
