The Kogi State Government has condemned the killing of three police officers and two vigilante officials in Egbe, Yagba West Local Government Area, describing the attack as “gruesome” and calling for a full-scale investigation.
The incident occurred on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, when gunmen ambushed officers at a checkpoint in Egbe, sparking panic across the community.
The attack is one of the deadliest against security personnel in Kogi in recent months, highlighting ongoing security concerns in the state, which borders the Federal Capital Territory and several neighbouring states.
In a statement on Thursday, Commissioner for Information and Communications Kingsley Fanwo said the government was “deeply concerned” by the killings and had directed security agencies to unravel the circumstances behind the incident.
Fanwo also confirmed that 17 passengers abducted along the Lokoja-Obajana road on the same day were rescued through the swift intervention of the Nigerian Army and local hunters, praising the operation as proof of security forces’ resilience.
“We stand in solidarity with the people in the affected areas and extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of the fallen officers who paid the supreme price in the line of duty. Their sacrifice will never be forgotten,” Fanwo said.
He stressed that Governor Usman Ododo had reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to turn the tide against insecurity, deploying additional personnel and equipment to vulnerable flashpoints.
The commissioner urged security agencies to intensify investigations to ensure the perpetrators are swiftly arrested and prosecuted, while also calling on residents to provide timely intelligence to aid operations.
Security experts note that the killings of police officers underline the risks faced by frontline operatives and the pressing need for better intelligence gathering, logistics support, and stronger collaboration with local communities.
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