The Kogi State Police Command has restored calm to Abugi and neighbouring communities following recent reprisal attacks that reportedly claimed more than five lives.
The Command said it had taken decisive measures to prevent further escalation of the violence and ensure the protection of lives and property in the affected communities.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the Police Public Relations Officer, Kogi State Command, ASP Saliu Oyiza Afusat, said the Area Command, Lokoja, in collaboration with relevant security agencies and community stakeholders, had commenced engagements aimed at restoring lasting peace.
According to her, the engagements involved traditional rulers, community leaders and other stakeholders, with emphasis on reconciliation, peaceful coexistence and addressing the underlying issues responsible for the conflict.
The Police also disclosed that a full-scale investigation into the incident had commenced through the State Criminal Investigation Department.
The Command said efforts were ongoing to identify, trace and arrest all individuals suspected of participating in or contributing to the killings.
It assured that anyone found culpable would be prosecuted in accordance with the law.
The Police further revealed that security personnel had been strategically deployed across the affected communities to prevent further attacks and safeguard residents and their property.
Following the interventions and consultations with stakeholders, the Command said normalcy had returned to Abugi and its environs, while security monitoring had been intensified to sustain the prevailing peace.
It, however, stressed that the restoration of calm would not affect the ongoing investigation, noting that the Police remained committed to ensuring that those responsible for the loss of lives were identified and brought to justice.
The Commissioner of Police reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to protecting residents across Kogi State and maintaining peace and security.
He urged members of the public to remain law-abiding and promptly report suspicious movements or activities to the Police and other relevant security agencies.
