AGS NEWS – Suspected gunmen believed to be of Fulani descent launched a deadly attack on Agojeju-Odo, a community in Omala Local Government Council in Kogi East Senatorial District, early Friday morning, resulting in multiple casualties.

According to reports gathered by AGS NEWS the armed assailants surrounded the community and unleashed gunfire, leaving a trail of death and destruction in their wake.

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A community leader, who narrowly escaped the attack but preferred to remain anonymous, recounted the harrowing experience, stating that they were caught off guard by the sudden assault.

As of the time of reporting, 27 bodies have been recovered, while local vigilante groups have initiated search efforts in the surrounding bush for missing individuals.

The source disclosed that concerns about a possible invasion had been circulating for the past three weeks and were brought to the attention of the newly appointed Local Government Council Caretaker Chairman, Mark Edibo. However, assurances of safety and protection were provided.

The violence reportedly stemmed from a dispute between a local resident and a Fulani herder over damage to yam tubers by cattle.

Despite intervention by the caretaker chairman, tensions remained high, with threats of retaliation from the herders.

Confirming the attack, Kogi State Police Public Relations Officer, SP William Ovye Aya, stated that the Commissioner of Police had dispatched a tactical squad comprising Mobile Police, soldiers, and vigilante members to the scene in response to a distress call.

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While the exact number of fatalities could not be verified at the time, SP Aya assured that efforts were underway to ascertain the extent of casualties, noting that numerous individuals had sustained gunshot wounds.