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An unknown number of people have been killed following an attack by gunmen on Bassa Local Government Area in Kogi State.
The tragic incident was confirmed on Wednesday by Kogi State House of Assembly member representing Bassa, Sunday Daku.
During a plenary session, Daku, who moved a motion of urgent public importance, expressed grief over the repeated loss of lives in his constituency due to these brutal attacks.
He lamented the recent surge in violence, describing Bassa as a once-peaceful community that had maintained harmony across ethnic, religious, and political lines until an inter-tribal crisis erupted in 2016.
He noted, “Former Governor Alhaji Yahaya Bello worked diligently to restore peace to Bassa, and this peace endured into the tenure of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo. However, that calm is now shattered, with unknown gunmen taking innocent lives.”
Daku detailed the horrific events, recalling an incident two months ago when a local resident was killed on his farm by unidentified attackers.
He said, “Just last week, on October 23, residents of Sheria town woke up to the heartbreaking news of three respected community members murdered by yet-to-be-identified gunmen. A day later, two more settlers in Sheria were killed.”
The lawmaker urged the Kogi State Government to strengthen security measures in Bassa and called for a decisive crackdown on the perpetrators.
He called for immediate action to prevent further bloodshed, saying, “The government must direct security agencies to intensify efforts and ensure those behind these attacks are brought to justice.”
Adding to the motion, Abu Onoru-Oiza Jibrin, representing Ajaokuta State Constituency, condemned the recurring violence, noting that farmers are primarily targeted.
He said, “These attacks show a complete disregard for human life. I’ve seen distressing images from these incidents, where victims were brutally beheaded, their bodies mutilated.
“This crisis demands immediate intervention to protect our citizens.”
Major Enefola, from Igalamela State Constituency, called for the removal of certain security officers stationed in Bassa, alleging complicity in the ongoing violence.
In response, Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly, Aliyu Yusuf, directed the House Committee on Security to conduct a thorough investigation, enlisting local vigilantes to help identify the root causes of the violence.
He urged security agencies to capture and prosecute those responsible, ensuring they face the full weight of the law.
