● Monarch blames herdsmen for the killings
By Elem Kash
HRH David Akpa, Traditional Ruler of Bagaji Odo.At least 25 persons in Agojeju-Odo, a community in Omala Local Government Area of Kogi State have been murdered.
The senseless killing of defenseless people which occurred about 3.00am on Thursday is being blamed on suspected herdsmen operating within the area.
The traditional ruler of Bagaji Odo, David Akpa, who disclosed this told Daily Post that herdsmen raided the community and in the most callous manner mercilessly murdered the people who are largely farmers.
He confirmed that 25 lives were lost in the attack which took the people of Agojeju-Odo completely by surprise while those who fled from their homes are taking shelter in Bagaji Odo, Abejikolo, Acha and other neighboring communities.
“The herdsmen are behind the attack at Agojeju-Odo community which led to the death of 25 people”, the traditional ruler explained, “They came in their numbers and started killing people.”
He further revealed, “They have been harvesting our crops, preventing our people from having access to their farms.
“Whenever they come, they will be asking ‘are you from Agatu?”
Plea for Government Protection:
The monarch appealed to the authorities to make adequate security arrangements in order to protect his people.
Talking with the Daily Post, the monarch stated, “The government should come to our rescue before things gets out of hand. Our people are being killed by these herdsmen.
“Those that have relocated to Bagaji Odo and are thinking of relocating out of here because there is information that these herdsmen are coming here to attack.”
Joshua Salifu, a survivor who is yet to know anything about the whereabouts of his wife and kids gave a vivid account of what really transpired.
“The herdsmen came at about 3:00 am on Thursday and started killing our people”, he revealed.
“I am yet to find my wife and my children. About 25 people were buried in our village”, he further disclosed.
“We don’t know what is our problem with them. This is not the first time they are attacking us.
“They killed four of our people the last time before Thursday’s incident. We could no longer go to our farms and the rainy reason is fast approaching. What are we going to do?
“The government should help us with adequate security so that we can go back to our community,” he added.
Recall that in January this year, yet to be identified gunmen attacked Agojeju-Odo community.
During the raid, four persons from the community were brutally murdered by the gunmen.