Three Police Officers and five local vigilantes have been killed in an an ambush by suspected bandits in Ajaokuta Kogi state.
The killings occurred on Saturday when suspected movements were reported at the Ajaokuta police station.
Eye witness account told our Correspondent that the locals had reported at the Divisional police headquarters that some people were using their farms for criminal activities. The DPO immediately mobilised his men and some local vigilantes with a view to repel the impending attack.
Our source who pleaded anonymity said that unknown to them, the hoodlums had laid ambush for them and opened fire on sighting the security personnel.
He said that their corpses have been deposited at the Federal Medical Center, Lokoja.
Confirming the killings,the Kogi state security Adviser, Commander Jerry Omadara (rtd) said that the 3 police officers and five members of local vigilantes were killed in an ambush on Saturday.
According to him, Divisional police officer,acting on intelligence report that hoodlums had invaded their farm and engaging in illegal activities, mobilised officers in collaboration with local vigilantes and headed for the area
“They were however ambushed and in the process Eight of them were killed including three Police Officers and five members of the local vigilantes”.
Omadara however said that no matter what,the state government will not rest until the culprits were brought to book.
He said that the state government under Alhaji Yahaya Bello has assured the people of the state adequate government protection as Saturdays incident would not be allowed to repeat itself.
All attempt to reach out to the police spokesperson, Mr Williams Aya hit brick walls as his mobile set could not be reached.
