Bandits on Wednesday morning launched another deadly attack on Irunda Ile in Yagba East LGA of Kogi State, leaving two residents dead, while the Police reportedly killed another two residents during a protest.

It was gathered that shortly after the attack by the bandits, tension escalated as youths in Yagba East took to the streets in protest.

When security operatives arrived at the village, according to an eyewitness account, the youths confronted them to enter the bush and chase the bandits.

However, the situation became escalated, which led to the death of another two persons, while others were seriously injured.

One of the community leaders who spoke with Tribune Online, the Bobagunwa of Irunda Isanlu, Chief David Oni Sunday, said there was an attack by bandits which led to the death of two vigilantes.

He noted that when the police arrived, they were reluctant to chase the bandits, which led to the confrontation with the youths.

His words, “From there, they mistakenly killed two youths, while others were also hospitalised following the tear gas they received from the police. In all four people were killed. Two vigilantes were killed by the bandits, and two other people were mistakenly killed by the police.”

Meanwhile, the Security Adviser to the Kogi State Government, Commander (Rtd) Jerry Omadora, confirmed the incident to Tribune Online.

He said that the bandits invaded the community early hour of Wednesday and killed two vigilantes who confronted them during that attack, adding that it is unfortunate that the youths who ought to assist the security agencies in fighting the bandits did something else.

“Security men have been drafted to Yagba to chase the bandits away. Even those bandits occupying our mine site have been neutralised by the security men. The Kogi State government will not allow any criminals in the state. We are working very hard to ensure that Kogi State is a safer place for everyone.

“A few days ago helicopter was drafted to those areas, and we recorded major success. The bandits were neutralised by the Security men. We are not going to rest until we are able to neutralise the bandits totally,” he said. (Nigerian Tribune)