Olu Samuel

The Kogi state police command has confirmed the death of two persons in a communal clash involving two communities,Itape and Ishi in Ibaji Local government area.

A statement issued late Wednesday night by the Command’s spokesperson, ASP Saliu Oyiza Afusat also stated that give persons have been identified and arrested on connection with the clash.

“The Kogi State Police Command wishes to inform the public that on 6th May, 2026, at about 0704hrs, the Divisional Police Officer, Ibaji, received a distress call reporting that a communal disturbance had erupted between Itale and Ishi communities in Ibaji Local Government Area.

On receipt of the information, the Command promptly mobilized a joint operations team comprising Police operatives, Naval personnel, the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN), and the Kogi State Vigilance Service (KSVS) to the area.

On arrival, a tense situation was encountered, with several buildings and agricultural produce, including bags of rice, already set ablaze by suspected youths from Itale community. The joint team acted swiftly, successfully dispersing the hoodlums and restoring normalcy to the area.

However, two male corpses were recovered from different locations within Ishi community. One other victim sustained a gunshot injury from a pump-action rifle and was immediately rushed to the General Hospital, Idah, for treatment. Additionally, fifty-seven (57) rounds of expended cartridges were recovered from the scene”. The PPRO wrote.

She said that the area remains under active surveillance, with sustained security deployment and ongoing monitoring.

Afusat revealed that Persons of interest have been identified from both communities in connection with the incident.

” These include Stephen Enema, Isaac Enedubi, Alex Attah, and Eneje Idah from Itale community, as well as Stephen Amegwu, Shederach Alone, and Friday Onal from Ishi community”.

The Command state that all individuals found culpable will be duly investigated and prosecuted in accordance with the law.

In a related development,the Command confirmed a violent attack on Edede Community which occurred on 5th May, 2026, at about 1600hrs.

The command stated that Preliminary reports indicate that armed assailants invaded the community, resulting in the gruesome killing of one individual identified as NASIRU ALIAS, whose body was found dismembered. The attackers also set ablaze several houses, a vehicle, and a motorcycle.

“Upon receipt of the report, the Police promptly mobilized and deployed tactical operatives to the scene. On arrival, the community was found deserted. Security operatives have since initiated a reinforced joint response involving the Police, the Military, and local vigilantes. Personnel have been strategically deployed within and around the area to prevent further incursions and stabilize the environment.

Although a formal complaint is yet to be lodged, the Command has commenced a full-scale investigation using intelligence-led strategies, sustained coordinated patrols, and covert operations aimed at identifying, tracking, and apprehending the perpetrators of this heinous crime”. Afusat wrote.

The Command assures the public that it remains fully committed to ensuring that those responsible are brought to justice.

” Members of the public are urged to remain calm, avoid spreading unverified information, and continue to support security agencies with credible intelligence.” She added.