Newsbreak: Terrorists attack Yoruba areas of Kogi, kill three policemen

By Omonahin Ajayi

Armed terrorists on Wednesday killed three policemen after attacking a police checkpoint along the Egbe-Okunran-Pategi.

The victims were part of a team on patrol. They were said to have been killed as soon as they arrived with a Hilux Bus with the intention of setting up a security outpost.

The suspected armed herdsmen laid ambush on the policemen, after which they opened fire killing three cops.

The incidence took place on the road in Yagba West local government area of Kogi State.

Eyewitnesses said the armed men also carted away guns belonging to the policemen.

Chairman of Yagba West Council, Tosin Olokun, who confirmed the attack.

He has sent condolences to members of the family of the diseased, and the Nigerian Police Force.

A local source who does not wish to be named said the armed men were suspected to be members of the Mahmuda terrorist group operating in Kwara and Kogi States.

The Chief Press Secretary to the Council Chairman, Mr Adeyemi Babarinde Sunday, said the fallen officers fought gallantry.

He praised their courageous but failed efforts to overwhelm the terrorists.

He said they paid the supreme price in the line of duty, working tirelessly to protect lives, maintain peace, and ensure security across Yagba West and the state at large.

The statement made available to Irohinoodua said the “council boss assured the Police Command and the bereaved families that the government and people of Yagba West share in their grief, and that the sacrifices of the departed heroes will never be forgotten.”

He said that as part of the measures to safeguard the local government against further threats, all herders who recently migrated into Yagba West should vacate the territory within 24 hours.

He said the council is determined to work with security agencies to ensure that the perpetrators of this heinous crime are brought to justice.

The terrorists came for their guns, sources said.

Two police officers were said to have died during the exchange of bullets.

The third officer was said to have dies at the E-unit of ECWA Hospital, Egbe.