Gunmen again struck in Yagba East and Lokoja local government areas of Kogi State, killing a total of five police officers in separate attacks on Sunday.
It was gathered that two officers were killed in Yagba East and three in Kupa ward, LokojaIi, state constituency.
The Isanlu incident happened at a place called Atan, on Ilafin Road from Makutu Isanlu on the way to Odogbe Isanlu.
The latest killing was the second in the last two weeks, as three officers were gunned down on September 10, by yet-to-be-identified gunmen, also in Egbe, a town sharing a boundary with Kwara State.
The Executive Chairman of Yagba East Local Government Area, Dr. Joshua Dare, in a statement on Monday, had expressed deep shock and profound grief .
“It is with profound shock and grief that we received the sad news of the brutal killing of two gallant officers of the Nigeria Police Force, attached to MOPOL 70, who lost their lives today, Sunday, September 21, 2025, in a deadly ambush by unknown assailants along Ilafin Road, Isanlu,” he said.
According to him, “The tragic incident is not only an attack on the Nigeria Police Force but also an assault on the peace and security of our land. It represents a calculated attempt by enemies of progress to destabilize our society and instill fear in our people.”
While mourning the untimely loss of these brave officers, the council chairman acknowledged their selfless sacrifice in safeguarding lives and property within Yagba East and beyond, emphasising that their courage and loyalty to the nation would not be forgotten but remain enshrined in the history of our community.
“On behalf of the government and people of Yagba East Local Government, Dr. Joshua Dare Monday extends heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, the Nigeria Police Force, the Kogi State Command, and the wider security community. Their grief is shared, and their pain is deeply felt by the people of Yagba East.’
The LG chairman also called on relevant security agencies to immediately investigate this heinous act, apprehend the perpetrators, and ensure they face the full weight of the law.
He affirmed that no act of evil can overshadow the determination of government and security operatives to maintain peace and order.
Furthermore, the council boss reiterated his administration’s unwavering commitment to the protection of lives and property across all communities.
He noted that Yagba East would continue to collaborate with the Kogi State Government, the Nigeria Police Force, the military, and other sister agencies to ensure the area remains peaceful, safe, and secure.
In his words: “These two officers of MOPOL 70 died in active service; they are martyrs of peace and guardians of justice. We must honour them not just with words but by ensuring their sacrifice is not in vain. The enemies of peace must be defeated, and Yagba East must continue to stand strong in unity and resilience.”
As of the time of filing this report,the state police command had yet to issue any statement on the development.
Calls put across to the command’s spokesman, William Aya, rang out, but he did not respond to the text message sent to him.
Credit: punchng.com
