By Peter Onyekachukwu 
By Peter Onyekachukwu
A wave of deadly assaults against security operatives has left four police officers and one civilian dead in separate attacks in Lokoja and Yagba East local government areas of Kogi State.
The first attack occurred around 10:30 a.m. on Sunday when gunmen on motorcycles stormed a checkpoint at Abugi village, Lokoja LGA, opening fire on unsuspecting policemen.
Two officers were killed instantly, while a passer-by was also caught in the crossfire. Witnesses said the assailants carted away the rifles of the slain officers before fleeing.
Barely 30 minutes later, another group of gunmen ambushed a Mobile Police (MOPOL 70) checkpoint along Ilafin Road, Isanlu, in Yagba East LGA, killing two more officers. Residents described the incident as a brazen attack that has heightened fears across the community.
“If policemen with guns are no longer safe, then residents are worse off in a community infested with bandits,” said Babagbemi Oyekanmi, a local resident.
Hon. Dr. Joshua Dare, Chairman of Yagba East Local Government, condemned the killings, describing them as an assault on peace and a calculated attempt to destabilize the region.
“These two officers of MOPOL 70 died in active service; they are martyrs of peace and guardians of justice. We must honor them not just with words but by ensuring their sacrifice is not in vain,” Dare said in a statement.
The latest violence follows a September 9 ambush in Egbe, Yagba West, where five security operatives, including three policemen and two vigilante members, were killed in similar attacks.
State Security Adviser, Navy Commander Jerry Omadara (rtd), had earlier accused some local youths and women of aiding bandits with food, intelligence, and logistics, warning that the government would henceforth treat such collaborators as terrorists.
The Kogi State Police Command has yet to issue an official response to the latest killings.