Gunmen Kill Five Policemen in Fresh Kogi Ambushes, Second Deadly Attack in Two Weeks

Kogi State has been rocked by another wave of violence after gunmen killed five police officers in separate attacks across Yagba East and Lokoja local government areas on Sunday.

Two officers were ambushed and killed along Ilafin Road, Isanlu, in Yagba East, while three others were shot dead in Kupa ward, Lokoja constituency.

The attack comes just 11 days after three policemen were murdered in Egbe, a border town between Kogi and Kwara states, highlighting a disturbing escalation in assaults on security operatives within the state.

Yagba East Local Government Chairman, Dr Joshua Dare, described the killings as “a brutal ambush” and “an assault on peace and security.”

“It is with profound shock and grief that we received the sad news of the killing of two gallant officers of the Nigeria Police Force, attached to MOPOL 70, who lost their lives in a deadly ambush by unknown assailants along Ilafin Road, Isanlu,” Dare said in a statement.

He noted that the attack was a calculated attempt by criminal elements to destabilise the area and instill fear among residents.

While mourning the officers, Dare hailed their service as a sacrifice for peace and justice, assuring that their courage would not be forgotten. He also urged security agencies to launch a full investigation and bring the perpetrators to justice.

“These two officers of MOPOL 70 died in active service; they are martyrs of peace and guardians of justice. We must honour them not just with words but by ensuring their sacrifice is not in vain,” he said.

The council chairman reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to working with the Kogi State Government, the Nigeria Police, the military, and other security agencies to keep communities safe.

The latest killings underline a growing security crisis in Kogi, where gunmen have repeatedly targeted both civilians and law enforcement officers.