Kogi Government Condemns Killing of Police Officers, Orders Full Investigation

The Kogi State Government has strongly condemned the killing of three police officers and two vigilante officials in Egbe, Yagba West Local Government Area, describing the attack as a disturbing assault on security personnel.

The incident, which happened on Wednesday at a checkpoint in Egbe, has heightened concerns over the safety of security operatives and the growing challenges of protecting rural communities across the state. In recent years, Kogi has been plagued by cases of banditry, kidnapping, and violent assaults on security agents.

In a statement on Thursday, the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, said the state government was “deeply concerned” by the killings and had instructed security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation and bring those responsible to justice.

“The Kogi State Government has received with deep concern reports of security breaches at two flashpoints in the State today, including an attack on security personnel in Yagba West Local Government Area, which tragically led to the loss of some gallant police officers, and a kidnapping incident along the Lokoja-Obajana road,” the statement read in part.

Fanwo confirmed that 17 passengers abducted along the Lokoja-Obajana road had been rescued through the swift efforts of the Nigerian Army and local hunters. He described the rescue as “highly commendable” and evidence of the resilience of security forces in the state.

“We stand in solidarity with the people in the affected areas and extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of the fallen officers who paid the supreme price in the line of duty. Their sacrifice will never be forgotten, and their courage will continue to inspire the fight against criminality in our dear state,” Fanwo added.

According to him, Governor Usman Ododo has restated his administration’s commitment to defeating crime, revealing that more personnel and security equipment have already been deployed to sensitive areas to prevent further attacks.

“The Government of Kogi State calls on security agencies to intensify investigations to ensure that the perpetrators of these heinous crimes are arrested and brought to justice without delay. We equally urge citizens to continue to cooperate with security operatives by providing timely and useful information that will aid the fight against crime,” Fanwo said.

He reassured residents that the state would not bow to intimidation. “Together with the support of the people and the resilience of our security agencies, we will overcome those who seek to disrupt the peace of our land,” he concluded.

The Ododo administration has consistently emphasized investment in local vigilante groups, improved surveillance, and collaboration with federal agencies. However, the killings in Egbe underline the high risks faced by frontline security operatives and the urgent need to strengthen intelligence networks, logistics, and community partnerships in the fight against crime.