Insecurity: 3 Killed in Police Raid in Kogi as Political Parties React

Ibrahim Oyewale in Lokoja

Apparently disturbed by the level of operation by the security operation and its attendant consequences , the political parties in Kogi have cried foul, urging the security agencies to be fair in their operations.

Just as police explained that based on series of credible Inteligence  on the repeated/recurring incidences of violence in Kogi East Senatorial District, which recently led to an attack on a Police Team and disarming and snatching of one AK47 Rifle from one Policeman, early this morning, Tuesday 07/11/2023, a Special Joint Operation involving the Nigeria Police, Department of State Security and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) was carried out on building where Political Thugs are being housed by Political Parties.

This was contained in different statement signed by the police authority and political parties copy of which was made available to journalists in Lokoja on Tuesday .

The Police Public Relation Officer, William Aya in statement states that during the Cordon and Search Operation, the Team, even after identifying themselves came under serious gun fire and in response three of the Political Thugs were gunned down and Two AK47 Rifles recovered while two members of the Team sustained gunshot injuries and seven suspects arrested.

“To this end, to make for a peaceful Election in the State, the Raids on suspected Criminal/Thugs hideouts will be sustained to deny them safe heavens to operate. The ongoing operation will be sustained until after the Election,” Aya stated

Reacting in a statement by  the spokesperson of the All progressive Congress, Femi Fanwo said.

“We wish to reiterate that as a Campaign Council, we welcome every effort at ensuring a peaceful poll on November 11, 2023. The election is for the electorate to determine who leads the state from January 27, 2024 and therefore shouldn’t be a reason for insecurity in the state.

“However, we express deep concerns regarding the needless raid on the residences of some of our chieftains in Kogi East. We hold the hope that they are not specifically targeted ahead of the election.

“We hereby call on security agencies to act professionally, fairly and with the patriotic intent to maintain law and order before, during and after the election.

The running mate to SDP governorship candidate, Samuel Abenemi confirmed the incident , appealing to the police not be partisan ,but to observe fair play  in their dealing with the situation on ground .

“Six hours to the election,  blood is still flowing at Anyigba; several people have gone to their grave this early Tuesday morning on account of political lining.

“We have written petitions over harissement of our people to security agencies, no reply uptil now  to that effect.  Nobody have monopoly of violence”, he said .