The Kogi State Government has confirmed the death of one person after security operatives foiled a terrorist attack on Ikoyi community in Ijumu Local Government Area, preventing what authorities described as a major security breach.
The attack occurred at about 7 p.m. on Saturday when armed bandits reportedly invaded a gathering in the community with the intention of abducting residents and causing panic.
According to the state government, a joint security team comprising personnel of the Nigerian military, the Nigeria Police Force, the Kogi State Vigilante Service and local hunters responded to distress calls within minutes and engaged the attackers in a gun battle.
The Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, said the swift intervention disrupted the operation and forced the attackers to retreat into nearby forests.
He said the coordinated response by security agencies prevented what could have escalated into a major security incident.
Fanwo disclosed that intelligence reports indicated several of the attackers sustained gunshot wounds during the exchange before fleeing the area. He added that security agencies have launched a manhunt to track down and arrest those responsible.
The commissioner confirmed that one member of the Tiv community was killed in the crossfire, while another person sustained gunshot injuries and is receiving treatment.
The government called on residents to support ongoing operations by reporting anyone seeking treatment for suspicious gunshot wounds or firearm-related injuries.
Fanwo said the incident underscored the effectiveness of Kogi Stateās community-based security strategy, noting that collaboration between conventional security agencies, vigilantes and local hunters played a critical role in repelling the attack.
He also highlighted the contribution of the Kogi State Vigilante Service since its integration into the state civil service under Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, saying the move has strengthened intelligence gathering and emergency response across the state.
The government commended security personnel involved in the operation and reiterated its commitment to sustaining peace and security across Kogi.
Residents were urged to remain vigilant, cooperate with security agencies and comply with existing security directives, particularly restrictions affecting vulnerable locations and periods.
The state government assured citizens that it would continue deploying all available resources to ensure criminals have no safe haven in Kogi State.
Erizia Rubyjeana
