Governor Usman Ododo of Kogi State has expressed shock and deep sympathy over the recent brutal attack in the Agojeju-Odo community of Omala Local Government Area, where 25 individuals lost their lives. Speaking in Lokoja, the governor expressed regret at the escalating communal clashes in the area and pledged immediate intervention to prevent any recurrence of such unfortunate incidents.

Assuring the citizens, Governor Ododo stated that the perpetrators of this heinous act would be swiftly brought to justice. Security agencies are already on the trail of the assailants responsible for the mindless destruction of lives and properties.

In a show of solidarity, the governor dispatched a delegation led by the state’s Deputy Governor, Elder Joel Oyibo-Salifu, to visit the affected area and offer condolences to the grieving community.

Governor Ododo highlighted the efforts made by the state government to maintain relative stability in Omala Local Government Area through the deployment of both kinetic and non-kinetic measures. However, he acknowledged the recent escalation of the conflict and promised to reinforce the existing security architecture by deploying a detachment of the newly established Metropolitan Quick Response team to the area.

The governor extended his heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and assured them that the government would provide support to the injured and those who suffered property damage during the attack.

Reports indicate that the bandit attack on April 4 was allegedly a retaliatory act in response to the killing of six herders by local residents.