By Friday Idachaba Lokoja
Gunmen suspected to be bandits have invaded Ibado-Akpacha community in Omala Local Government of Kogi State killing two inhabitants with the third victim escaping with bullet wounds.
According to reliable sources from the community, the attack was reportedly carried out between Tuesday night and early hours of Wednesday.
The victims of the attack whose names could not be ascertained immediately were said to be local coal miners who relocated to the village two years ago to partake in coal mining activities in the community.
The source added that the criminals also performed some robbery operations, breaking into people’s houses and collecting money during the early hours invasion of Ibado-Akpacha community.
He said that they also broke into shops at a junction in the village and carted away consumables and assorted goods.
Another community member said the gunshots deafening and managing that some of them did not dare to come out.
“We were all stuck on our beds, stuck between running out of the house to escape or remain on your bed and pray for divine protection.
“We only came out this morning when we were sure that the gunmen had left. And we headed towards the direction of the gun sound to discover the victims”, he added.
The sophisticated arms wielding hoodlums were said to have operated for over an hour and eventually left without counter response from the Police or the local security personnel in the community.
According to another member, from the sound of the guns, it was apparent that the hoodlums were carrying heavy and superior sophisticated weapons and it would have been a major disaster with heavy casualties if anybody had attempted to confront them.
When contacted for official confirmation of the incident, the Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the Kogi State Police Command, William Ovye Aya said the Command was yet to receive the report from Omala Division.
