By ZAGAZOLA MAKAMA

Residents of several Kogi State communities are counting their losses after fleeing armed bandits from Kwara State, displaced by ongoing military clearance operations, stormed the area on Thursday morning, leaving four men dead.

According to local sources, the attackers, travelling on motorcycles, entered Kogi through bush paths from Patigi in Kwara State and moved through Bunu and Kiri communities, firing indiscriminately.

The victims included Dare Olorunfemi, 34, of Ihale community; John (surname unknown), 33, of Taki area; Abdul Siworo, 33, of Ike area; and Oladele Samuel, 25, of Ayetoro-Kiri community.

Eyewitnesses reported that the bandits, heavily armed and in large numbers, continued towards the Kakanda/Ankumi forest in Obajana, Lokoja Local Government Area, leaving the communities in shock and fear.

Intelligence sources suggesting that the attackers have taken refuge around Masalacin Boka area.

Residents described the tension as “palpable,” urging urgent intervention to dislodge the bandits before they consolidate in the forests.

The incident illustrated the ripple effect of security operations in neighbouring states, as armed groups displaced by military offensives migrate and wreak havoc on adjacent communities, threatening livelihoods and local stability.

Efforts to safeguard the affected communities and prevent further attacks are ongoing by security forces. (Zagazola)