Gunmen Kill 5 Security Officers, Abduct 2 Chinese Nationals In Kogi Mining Site

Lokoja, Kogi State– Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers have abducted two Chinese nationals and killed five security officers during an attack on a mining site in Zango City, on the outskirts of Lokoja, the capital of Kogi State, on Monday.

It was gathered that the gunmen were about 20 in number, stormed the mining site in Zango City and killed five persons made up of three vigilante members and two staff of the mining site before they abducted two Chinese citizens.

According to the residents the attack happened around 5 p.m. and lasted approximately 45 minutes, with sporadic gunfire coming from the hilly area behind Al Azhar International School. They described the suspected attackers as around 20 in number, many of whom had beards.

It was learnt that the relentless sound of gunfire from the mountain caused people to quickly close their shops and led panicked locals to flee their homes, seeking refuge in safer areas.

Vanguard reports that a hunter, who preferred not to be named, claimed involvement in the evacuation of the bodies. He identified the deceased vigilantes as Abdulazeez, Tijani, and Yusuf, and mentioned that graphic photos of their remains were observed.

Abdul, a resident and shop owner in Zango, said he heard the sounds of the gunshots, “Initially, we did not know what was happening, and the gunshots were loud. I had to leave the area along with other people out of fear. This is very bad and worrisome in the state capital. We urge the government to step up security in the state.”

Efforts to contact the police, including calls and messages to Police Public Relations Officer William Anya, were unsuccessful.