Four Killed in Kogi Community Clash Between Bandits, Youths, and Police

Four people are dead following a violent confrontation in Kogi State that began with a bandit attack and escalated into a fatal clash between community youths and security operatives who responded to the scene.

A fresh attack by suspected bandits on the Irunda Ile community in Yagba East Local Government Area of Kogi State on Wednesday morning has resulted in four deaths after a tense confrontation between local youths and police.

According to community leader David Oni Sunday, the Bobagunwa of Irunda Isanlu, bandits killed two local vigilantes during the initial assault. When security forces arrived, youths from the community protested, demanding that officers pursue the assailants into the bush. The situation deteriorated into a violent clash, leading police to open fire.

"In all, four people were killed in our village this morning. Two vigilantes were killed by the bandits and two other persons mistakenly killed by the police," Sunday stated.

The Kogi State Security Adviser, Commander Jerry Omadora (Rtd), confirmed the incident to journalists in Lokoja, acknowledging the deaths of two vigilantes during the bandit attack. He expressed regret over the subsequent clash, stating, "it was unfortunate that the youths who ought to assist the security agencies in fighting the bandits did something else."

Omadora emphasized the state government's commitment to security, citing recent operations where helicopters were deployed and bandits "neutralised." He assured residents that efforts to clear criminal elements from the state would continue.

The incident underscores the volatile and complex security dynamics in the region, where community frustration over perceived inaction by security forces can boil over into deadly confrontations.