Kogi Assembly demands disbandment of Kupa vigilante groups after 12 killed

The Kogi State House of Assembly has demanded the immediate disbandment of hybrid vigilante groups operating in Kupa District of Lokoja Local Government Area and the recovery of firearms in their possession.

The demand followed a violent clash between the Kupa Community Vigilante Group and another hybrid vigilante group, which left 12 people dead and several others injured.

Moving a motion of urgent public importance, the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Aliyu Umar Yusuf, said the crisis began on August 6 when a member of the hybrid vigilante group allegedly resisted a stop-and-search operation and opened fire on community vigilantes.

He said the incident led to a gunfight in which a Fulani vigilante member was killed, triggering a reprisal attack on some communities in the area.

According to him, three people were killed in Eguchidan, six in Emiku and two in Abugi during the reprisal attacks.

Yusuf added that the Chief Imam of Kupa, Alhaji Gimba Aliyu, was among those injured in the violence and was receiving treatment.

The Speaker urged Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo to immediately disband the existing vigilante structures in Kupa District and recover all firearms in their possession.

He also called on the governor to deploy forest guards to the area, preferably recruiting trusted indigenes who are familiar with the terrain to enhance security operations.

The House commended the Nigerian Army and the police for their swift response to the crisis, while calling for the deployment of additional security personnel to the Abugi Divisional Police Office.

The lawmakers further urged security agencies to intensify operations against armed groups hiding in the forests and strengthen collaboration among security formations operating in the area.

They also called for a comprehensive assessment of the affected communities and urgent measures to prevent further attacks and restore peace in Kupa District.