Police React to Viral Report of Imminent Bandit Attack in Kogi

• The Kogi state police command have dismissed circulating claims of an imminent bandit attack in Kogi East
• Tactical units and additional security assets have been deployed across the state to reassure residents and maintain stability
• The command urged the public to avoid spreading unverified information and to promptly report suspicious activity

Residents of Kogi state have been urged to ignore social media claims suggesting that bandits were preparing to launch coordinated attacks in parts of the state.

The commissioner of Police, Naziru Bello Kankarofi, issued the clarification through a statement released on Monday, November 24, by the Police Public Relations Officer, CSP William Aya.

The police chief dismissed the circulating alert as unverifiable. He stated that the content lacked any credible basis and did not originate from any official security channel, Daily Trust reported.

Police assure measures already in place

The command assured residents that security arrangements across the state remained intact. According to the statement, officers and tactical squads had been positioned to forestall any attempt to disrupt public peace.

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The command also appealed to citizens to avoid sharing unconfirmed claims that could generate needless fear. It reminded the public to verify information through reliable channels.

The police further encouraged residents to report suspicious movements to security agencies. The statement noted that security required the active contribution of the community.

Tactical units deployed statewide

CP Kankarofi ordered the deployment of the Police Mobile Force, the Counter Terrorism Unit, the Quick Response Squad and intelligence teams to critical areas.

Additional assets were also sent to locations considered vulnerable. The command said the move was intended to ensure a quick response to any situation.

For several days, social media users had circulated messages alleging that bandits had entered Kogi East through multiple routes from Nasarawa and Benue. The claims also suggested that certain schools and communities were under threat.

The police command reaffirmed that no such intelligence existed. It urged the public to disregard the rumour and continue with their daily activities without fear.

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Police take action as bandits abduct 25 girls

Earlier, Legit.ng reported that Armed attackers abducted 25 students from Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga, Danko district of Danko Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi state.

The incident took place around 4 - 5am on Monday, November 17, when gunmen invaded the school while firing into the air.

Police personnel stationed at the location engaged the intruders but the attackers had already entered the compound and fled with the students.

A statement released by the Kebbi state police command said one resident identified as Hassan Makuku was killed during the assault. Another man, Ali Shehu, sustained an injury to his hand.

The statement partly read:

"Upon receiving the unfortunate incident, a combined team of additional Police tactical units, military personnel and Vigilantes has been deployed in the area and they are currently combing the bandits' routes and nearby forest, with a view to rescue the abducted students and possibly arrest the perpetrators of the darstardly act."

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The attackers escaped through the surrounding area before reinforcements could arrive.

I know the whereabouts of bandits - Zamfara gov

Earlier, Legit.ng reported that Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara state had declared that he has the capacity to end banditry in the state within two months if given direct control over security agencies.

He said he knew the precise locations of the bandits terrorising the states by kidnapping residents and killing indiscriminately and unjustifiably.

Governor Lawal, however, mentioned one thing that was stopping him from arresting the bandits despite knowing their location.

Proofreading by Kola Muhammed, copy editor at Legit.ng.

Source: Legit.ng