Herdsmen, in the early hours of Sunday, attacked Bagana community in Omala Local government Area of Kogi State, claiming six lives.
An eye witness who identified himself as Sadiq, while speaking with DAILY POST on Sunday, said, the attackers, with assorted weapons, came in their numbers and were selectively burning houses and shooting residents.
He explained that trouble started two weeks ago when some people in a nearby village of about two kilometres from Bagana had misunderstanding with herdsmen that led to clashes, with three of residents dead.
He said, “the Administrator of Omala Local Government, Aboh Escort then mobilised mobile Police from Lokoja, Kogi State capital who were guarding Bagana, with some local vigilante men.”
Sadiq, who is taking refuge in Opalana, another town, said the attackers overpowered the combined security operatives because of their large numbers which led to the death of three mobile policeman and three residents.
“We had a prior knowledge of the attack, so the Administrator of the local government mobilised Police to our place. Our own vigilante men were also parading with the Police, but the attackers who came early in the day were so many.
“They killed three policemen, while three of the vigilante men were also brought down, with several injured people and I am right now at Okpotala.”
He also disclosed that the marauders went to a nearby Patanyi, another suburb.
According to him, no life was lost in Patanyi as residents deserted the area before the arrival of the marauders at about 12pm today.
Three farmers were killed, while one was injured while returning from their farm along Bagana – Okpotala road two weeks ago in the same community.
Bagana community in Omala Local government Area of Kogi State, is situated along the lower river Benue, in Kogi East. The residents are renowned for trade by barter. Their occupation is mostly fishing and farming.
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