The death toll over the attack on Oganenigu community and other communities in Kogi State by suspected Fulani herdsmen has risen to 50 as over 200 persons are said to still be missing. Yesterday’s attack was against Abejukolo and Agbenema communities as reports indicate people have started relocating to neighbouring areas such as Anyigba, Egume and others for safety. According the Oganenigwu Community Development Association, over 200 people have been displaced, and death toll risen to 50 while over 50 houses burnt and by the attackers as people living in surrounding villages have deserted the community in droves. A source which noted that the presence of security agents around was yet to checkmate the situation, said: “As at present no one can give the actual figure of dead persons on both sides because many families are yet to locate their relatives.”

Recounting the impact of the attack, the Principal of Community Secondary School, Oganenigwu, Mr. Ojodale Philip, said: “My school was under attack by Fulani terrorists at about 8:30 a.m. but to God be the glory no life was lost in my school but many people were massacred in the village. “I personally was shot at several times but nothing happened to me. In my hands are some of the bullets that where meant to kill me.”

However, Governor Yahaya Bello, who was expected to visit the communities, yesterday could not make it due to circumstances beyond his control, according to his Director General, Medial and Publicity, Mr. Kinsley Fanwo, who expressed shock over the attack.

“The Kogi State Government ensured that the military, the police and other relevant security agencies, including members of the Kogi State Vigilante Services were immediately mobilised to the affected areas following the initial reports.

“The violence has since been contained and brought under control. The incident however remains under investigation while efforts are ongoing to apprehend the attackers and bring them to justice.

“His Excellency will meet with security chiefs and community leaders after which more information will be forthcoming. The governor believes nothing compares to the sanctity of the human life and that must be protected by all who believes in humanity,” he said.

In a related development, the Kogi State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has blamed the killings in Dekina and Omala Local Government Areas of the state on the governor.

The PDP said the governor’s open invitation to the rampaging herdsmen and the setting up of cattle colonies without adequate security measures put in place necessitated the killings. In a statement yesterday signed by the Director, Research and Documentation, Achadu Dickson, the party challenged the governor to explain his role in the killings, following his invitation of the herdsmen and ceding of sections of the state’s land for the establishment of cattle colony amidst discontent by the people. The PDP, which condemns in strong terms the gruesome murder of innocent citizens by the herders, said their action has vindicated the party’s position that Governor Bello’s action on establishing cattle colonies was invitation to anarchy. (New Telegraph)

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