Gunmen have invaded three communities in the Kupa Kingdom, Lokoja Local Government Area of Kogi State, killing at least five people in what authorities have described as a reprisal attack following the killing of a herder.

The affected communities – Abugi, Kuchinda and Mikugi – came under attack after a member of a local vigilante group allegedly shot and killed an unarmed herder on suspicion of cattle rustling. Armed persons subsequently invaded the three communities, killing several innocent residents and heightening tension in the area.

Security agencies have been mobilised to restore peace and prevent further escalation, while the Kogi State Government has condemned the killings and vowed to bring the perpetrators to justice.

In a statement issued on Friday, the Kogi State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, described the killings as “tragic, senseless and unacceptable”, stressing that no grievance or misunderstanding should degenerate into the taking of innocent lives.

Governor Ahmed Ododo extended his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and the entire Kupa Kingdom, praying for the peaceful repose of the souls of the deceased and comfort for those left behind.

According to the commissioner, preliminary reports indicated that the incident began after an unarmed herder was allegedly shot and killed by a member of the local vigilante group on suspicion of cattle rustling. The killing of the herder was followed by a reprisal attack allegedly carried out by armed persons, who targeted innocent residents in the three communities, resulting in multiple deaths and heightened tension in the area.

Governor Ododo has directed security agencies to immediately take full control of the situation, restore peace and prevent any further breakdown of law and order. The Governor also ordered security agencies to immediately arrest the local vigilante member alleged to have killed the herder, as well as those responsible for the reprisal attack, including the leader of the Hybrid Vigilante Group suspected to have coordinated the assault.

Fanwo assured the public that everyone found culpable would be brought to justice. He said the state government was working closely with security agencies, traditional rulers, community leaders and other critical stakeholders to restore lasting peace across Kupa Kingdom and strengthen confidence among the affected communities.

At the time of this report, no further details had been released on the number of arrests made or the identities of those killed in the attacks.