Suspected bandits on have attacked Irunda Ile in Yagba East local government area of Kogi State. Two residents died, while the police alleged killed two residents during a protest.
It was gathered that shortly after the attack by the bandits, tension mounted, and some youths in the area took to the streets to protest the incessant bandit attacks.
According to an eyewitness, when security operatives arrived at the village, the youths confronted them, urging them to enter the bush and chase the bandits.
However, the situation turned chaotic, leading to the death of another two persons, while others were seriously injured.
The community leader, Bobagunwa of Irunda Isanlu, Chief (Engr) David Oni Sunday, told our correspondent that there was an attack by bandits, which led to the death of two vigilantes.
He noted that when the police arrived, they were reluctant to chase the bandits, which led to the confrontation with the youths.
His words, “From there, they mistakenly killed two youths, while others were also hospitalised following the tear gas they received from the police. In all, four people were killed in our village this morning.
The bandits killed two people, and the police mistakenly killed two other people.
Meanwhile, the Security Adviser to the Kogi State Government, Commander Jerry Omadora, Rtd, confirmed the incident to journalists in Lokoja.
He said the bandits invaded the community early hours of Wednesday and killed two vigilantes who confronted them during that attack, adding that it is unfortunate that the youths who ought to assist the security agencies in fighting the bandits did something else.
“Security men have been drafted to Yagba to chase the bandits away. Even those bandits occupying our mine site have been neutralised by the security men.
The Kogi State government will not allow any criminals in the state. We are working diligently to ensure that Kogi State is a safe environment for everyone.
A few days ago, a helicopter was drafted to those areas, and we recorded major success. The Security men neutralised the bandits. We are not going to rest until we can neutralise the bandits completely.