The Kogi State Police Command has recovered two corpses following a violent clash between Itale and Ishi communities in Ibaji local government area.
According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Saliu Oyiza Afusat, in Lokoja on Wednesday, the two male corpses were recovered from different locations within Ishi community.
She said one other victim sustained a gunshot injury from a pump-action rifle and was immediately rushed to the General Hospital, Idah, for treatment.
‘On 6th May, 2026, at about 0704hrs, the Divisional Police Officer, Ibaji, received a distress call reporting that a communal disturbance had erupted between Itale and Ishi communities in Ibaji Local Government Area.
“On receipt of the information, the Command promptly mobilized a joint operations team comprising Police operatives, Naval personnel, the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN), and the Kogi State Vigilance Service (KSVS) to the area.
“On arrival, a tense situation was encountered, with several buildings and agricultural produce, including bags of rice, already set ablaze by suspected youths from Itale community. The joint team acted swiftly, successfully dispersing the hoodlums and restoring normalcy to the area,” she said.
ASP Saliu said the area remains under active surveillance, with sustained security deployment and ongoing monitoring.
She added that persons of interest have been identified from both communities in connection with the incident.
“These include Stephen Enema, Isaac Enedubi, Alex Attah, and Eneje Idah from Itale community, as well as Stephen Amegwu, Shederach Alone, and Friday Onal from Ishi community.”
The Command promised that all individuals found culpable will be duly investigated and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
CP Naziru Bello Kankarofi emphasized that the swift, coordinated, and professionally executed response to the communal clash reflected the command’s commitment to intelligence-led policing, rapid deployment strategies, and the protection of lives and property.
He urged members of the public to remain calm, avoid spreading unverified information, and continue to support security agencies with credible intelligence.
