As the death toll in the attacks launched by suspected herdsmen on Dekina and Omala local government areas of Kogi State rose to about 50, the natives may have decided to defend themselves in the face of continuing attacks and killing of their kinsmen.
Many natives, however, remained missing after the attack on the people of Oganenigwu in Dekina local government, while yet another attack occurred in Abejukolo and Agbenema communities, with residents seen relocating in droves to neighbouring communities, such as Anyigba and Egume for fear of further attacks.
According to the source, the number of death from the invasion of Oganenigwu by the herdsmen on Wednesday was heavy on both sides, with over 200 people displaced.
“At the moment, nobody can say the exact number of deaths on both sides, because many families are yet to locate their relatives,” a source said, lamenting that the presence of security agents drafted to the trouble areas was yet to checkmate the killings.
The source said as a result of the attack, other villages around Oganenigwu have been deserted for fear of reprisal attack.According Oganenigwu Community Development Association (OCDA), over 200 people have been displaced and over 50 houses burnt down by the suspected herdsmen, while people living in villages surrounding Oganenigwu have deserted their communities, taking refuge in places, such as Anyigba, Ologba, Etulutekpe and Iyale.
An eyewitness, Ojodale Philip, who is the Principal of Community Secondary School, Oganenigwu, said: “My school was under attack from the herdsman or terrorists about 8:30 am, but to God be the glory, no life was lost in my school, but many people were massacred in the village.
“I was shot at several times, but nothing happened to me. In my hands are some of the bullets that where meant to kill me.”
As at press time, Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello is on his way to the affected communities. He left Lokoja around 7.30am.
