Gunmen kill 2, injured another in Kogi community

***Police confirm serial robbery operation in Ibado-Akpacha community.

By Friday Idachaba Lokoja

Gunmen suspected to be bandits have invaded Ibado-Akpacha community in Omala Local Government of Kogi state killing two inhabitants with the third victim escaping with bullet wounds.
According to reliable source from the community, the attack was reportedly carried out between Tuesday night and early hours of Wednesday.
The victims of the attack whose names could not be ascertained immediately were said to be local coal miners who relocated to the village two years ago to partake in coal mining activities in the community.
The source added that the criminals also performed some robbery operations breaking into people’s houses and collecting money during early hours invasion of Ibado-Akpacha community.
He said that they also broke into shops at a junction in the village and carted away consumables and assorted goods.
Another community member said the gunshots deafening and managing that some of them did not dare to come out.
“We were all stuck on our beds, stuck between running out of the house to escape or remain on your bed and pray for divine protection.
“We only came out this morning when we were sure that the gunmen had left. And we headed towards the direction of the gun sound to discover the victims”
The sophisticated arms wielding hoodlums were said have operated for over an hour from house-to-house and eventually left without counter response from the Police or the local security personnel in the community.
According to another member, from the sound of the guns, it was apparent that the hoodlums were carrying sophisticated weapons and it would have been a major disaster with heavy casualties if anybody had attempted to confront them.
Confirming the incident, the Kogi State Police Command spokesman, Public Relations Officer (PPRO), William Ovye Aya (CSP) confirmed that it was a case of armed robbery and homicide.
He said that the hoodlums invaded, robbed a house and shot at two persons adding that when the victims were taken to the hospital, the doctor confirmed them dead.
Aya also said that the hoodlums went to another house and robbed a person of some amount of money from where they went to the shop of a businessman, one Abubakar Yusuf.
He said that they robbed Yusuf of 20 Android and 200 button phones adding that one person escaped with bullet wounds.
The PPRO further confirmed that the Police have launched investigation, led by Deputy Commissioner of Police (Investigation) into the case.
He added, “some of members of the public are also collaborating with us by providing us information to help arrest the perpetrators.” (End