Tragedy struck on Wednesday morning in Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State, when heavily armed bandits launched an attack on a police checkpoint, killing three officers.
The incident reportedly occurred at the Ofili Police Checkpoint along the Egbe–Okunran–Pategi Road, leaving residents in shock and raising fresh concerns about the growing insecurity in Okunland.
Confirming the development, the Chairman of Yagba West Council, Hon. Tosin Olokun, expressed deep sorrow over the killings. He extended condolences to the Nigeria Police Force, the families of the victims, and their colleagues, describing the slain policemen as “gallant officers who lost their lives in an ambush earlier today along the Egbe–Okunran Road.”
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In a statement signed by his press secretary, Adeyemi Babarinde Sunday, the council chairman praised the courage of the fallen officers, noting that they paid the supreme price while working tirelessly to protect lives, maintain peace, and ensure security across Yagba West and Kogi State at large.
“The government and people of Yagba West share in the grief of the Police Command and the bereaved families. The sacrifices of these departed heroes will never be forgotten,” the statement read.
Olokun further announced strict security measures to forestall future attacks. He directed all herders who had recently migrated into Yagba West to vacate the area within 24 hours, stressing the council’s commitment to working closely with security agencies to ensure that the perpetrators of the crime are apprehended and brought to justice.
An eyewitness who spoke to The Guardian revealed that the officers were ambushed shortly after arriving at their duty post. According to him, the bandits opened fire on the Hilux van conveying the policemen before they could alight.
“They came for their guns, obviously, which they carted away. Two police officers died during the gun battle, while the third officer gave up the ghost 30 minutes ago at the E-unit of ECWA Hospital, Egbe. The three bodies have been deposited in the hospital’s morgue,” he recounted.
The attack has heightened fears among residents and renewed calls for urgent government action to address the rising wave of banditry and insecurity in the region.
