Fresh concerns have emerged over the security situation in Kupa, Lokoja Local Government Area of Kogi State, following a deadly clash that reportedly claimed 12 lives and left several others injured.
The Kogi State House of Assembly, alarmed by the development, has called for urgent steps to prevent further violence, including the restructuring of the security arrangement in the community.
The issue was raised by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Aliyu Umar Yusuf, representing Lokoja II State Constituency, during Tuesday’s plenary under a Matter of Urgent Public Importance.
Chief Imam Among Those Injured
The Speaker told lawmakers that the violence had created fear and uncertainty in Kupa, with several residents reportedly sustaining gunshot injuries.
Among those injured was the Chief Imam of Kupa, Alhaji Gimba Aliyu, who was said to be receiving medical treatment.
According to the motion, the violence followed a confrontation between the Kupa Community Vigilante group and a hybrid vigilante group associated with Fulani herders.
Deadly Confrontation
The Speaker said the crisis began around the early hours of Thursday, August 6, after reports of armed men in Eguchidan, Kupa South.
He said a subsequent confrontation occurred around Abugi, the headquarters of Kupa Kingdom and the location of its major Thursday market.
A member of the hybrid vigilante group reportedly sustained gunshot injuries during the confrontation and later died.
The motion said accounts attributed to the Kupa Community Vigilante group alleged that the deceased resisted a stop-and-search operation before an exchange of gunfire occurred.
The incident was followed by further mobilisation and retaliatory attacks, according to the motion.
The reported casualties were three in Eguchidan, six in Emiku and two at Abugi, alongside the member of the hybrid vigilante group who reportedly died from injuries sustained during the initial confrontation.
‘Supposed Hunters Have Become Hunted’
The Speaker expressed concern over the rivalry between groups that were originally established to complement conventional security agencies.
He recalled that the Kogi State Vigilante Service was established during the administration of former Governor Yahaya Bello, with legislative backing, to assist in protecting lives and property.
The arrangement included representation from different communities, including Fulani herders in Kupa.
The Speaker said the security model had, however, become problematic in the area.
“Rather than collaboration in fighting crimes, the groups have assumed borderless powers beyond imaginations which has snowballed into unhealthy rivalry within the Vigilante Service in the area such that the supposed hunters of criminals have now become the hunted,” he said.
Assembly Calls for New Security Strategy
The House called for the immediate disbandment of existing vigilante structures operating in Kupa and the retrieval of firearms in their possession.
It also urged the deployment of recruited Forest Guards to the community.
The lawmakers said mature and trusted members of Kupa who understand the terrain should be considered for recruitment as Forest Guards.
The Commissioner of Police was also urged to deploy additional personnel to the area.
In addition, the Assembly called on the National Security Adviser to urgently disband the hybrid vigilante group of Fulani herders operating in Lokoja Local Government Area.
Past Violence Raises Fresh Concern
The lawmakers noted that Kupa had experienced serious security challenges in the past.
The motion referenced the Ekpan-Abugi invasion of November 2014 and the Gugurugi massacre of January 2015, saying the incidents had lasting socio-economic consequences for residents.
The Speaker warned that allowing repeated violence to continue could result in a larger and more devastating crisis.
Assembly Commends Security Response
The Assembly acknowledged Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo’s intervention after the latest incident.
According to the motion, the governor ordered the deployment of security personnel to the affected communities, a move the Speaker said helped restore peace and order.
The House resolved to commend Governor Ododo and also praised the Commandant, Army Records, Chari Megumeri Barracks, Lokoja, and the Kogi State Commissioner of Police for their response.
The lawmakers observed a minute’s silence in honour of the victims.
The latest resolutions have placed renewed focus on the regulation and accountability of community-based security groups and the need to ensure that informal security arrangements do not become sources of further conflict.
