Two protesters, on Wednesday, died after being his by stray bullets from security operatives in Yagba East local government area of Kogi state.
The security operatives reportedly opened fire on protesters during a demonstration over insecurity after a violent bandit attack on Irunda-Ile community in Isanlu in the early hours of Wednesday.
It was gathered that two youths have been pronounced dead, while two others are battling for their lives on life support following the confrontation.
Bobagunwa of Irunda Isanlu, Chief David Oni Sunday said the attack by bandits led to the death of two vigilante.
He noted that when the police arrived they were reluctant to chase the bandits which led to the confrontation by the youths.
“From there, they mistakenly killed two youths, while other were also hospitalised following the tear gas they inhaled from the police. In all, four people were killed. Two vigilante were killed by the bandits and two other person mistakenly killed by the police.
Meanwhile the Security Adviser to Kogi State Government, Commander Jerry Omodara (rtd) confirmed the incident to newsmen.
He said that the bandits invaded the community in the early hours of Wednesday and killed two vigilante personnel who confronted them during that attack, adding that it was unfortunate that the youths who ought to assist the security agencies in fighting the bandits did something else.
“Security men were drafted to Yagba to chase the bandits away. Even those bandits occupying our mine sites have been neutralised by the security men. Kogi state government will not allow any criminals in the state. We are working very hard to see that Kogi State is a safe place for everyone.
“Some days ago, helicopter was drafted to those areas and we recorded major successes. The bandits were neutralised by the security men. We are not going to rest until we are able to neutralise the bandits totally,” he assured.
