The Kogi State Government has confirmed that security operatives successfully foiled a terrorist attack in Ikoyi, Ijumu Local Government Area, preventing what could have become a major security breach in the state.
This was disclosed in a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo.
According to the statement, armed bandits targeted a gathering in the community over the weekend with the apparent intention of carrying out mass abductions and creating panic among residents.
The government noted that the gathering violated an existing security directive restricting social activities beyond 4:00 PM in the afternoon, a situation the attackers allegedly exploited to launch the attack.
However, security personnel comprising the Nigerian Military, the Nigeria Police Force, the Kogi State Vigilante Service and local hunters swiftly mobilised to the scene, engaging the attackers in a fierce gun battle that forced them to flee.
“The rapid intervention of our security personnel denied the criminals the opportunity to execute their plans. Their bravery, professionalism and seamless collaboration prevented the abduction of residents and averted what could have been a major security disaster,” the government stated.
The statement added that one member of the community was reportedly killed in the crossfire, while another sustained gunshot injuries and currently receiving medical treatment.
The Government said intelligence reports indicate several of the attackers suffered gunshot wounds before escaping into nearby forests, adding that security agencies have launched an intensive manhunt and are currently tracking the fleeing criminals.
The government urged residents to report anyone with suspicious gunshot wounds or seeking treatment for firearm-related injuries to relevant authorities.
The government described the incident as a demonstration of the effectiveness of Kogi State’s community-based security framework and the strong collaboration among security agencies operating across the state.
It also attributed the improved response capacity of the Kogi State Vigilante Service to its integration into the mainstream civil service and the pensionable appointments approved by Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo.
Commending the security personnel involved in the operation, the government praised their courage, sacrifice and professionalism, noting that their response once again underscored the readiness of the state’s security architecture to confront criminal threats.
The government further reiterated the need for strict compliance with security directives, particularly restrictions on unauthorised gatherings in vulnerable locations and at vulnerable hours, while urging residents to remain vigilant and support security agencies with credible information.
