In a shocking incident on Monday evening, gunmen launched a violent attack on a mining site in Zango City, located on the outskirts of Lokoja, Kogi State capital.
The assault resulted in the deaths of five security personnel and the kidnapping of two Chinese nationals.
Reports indicate that approximately 20 gunmen, described as heavily bearded, stormed the site around 5 p.m., initiating a deadly confrontation that lasted about 45 minutes.
The attackers, heavily armed, killed three vigilante members—identified as Abdulazeez, Tijani, and Yusuf—and two staff members of the mining site.
Local sources described the scene as chaotic, with sporadic gunfire echoing from the hilly area behind Al Azhar International School.
The intense shooting prompted local residents to hastily close their shops and flee their homes in search of safety.
A local hunter, who requested anonymity, recounted participating in the grim task of evacuating the deceased, noting that gory photos of the victims’ remains were circulated.
Abdul, a resident of Zango City, expressed his distress over the incident, saying, “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.”
Attempts to contact the Police Public Relations Officer, William Anya, for further details were unsuccessful as calls and messages went unanswered.
The kidnapping of the two Chinese nationals adds a troubling dimension to the violence, highlighting the need for increased security measures in the region.
The attack underscores the ongoing security challenges facing Kogi State and calls for urgent governmental intervention to address the escalating violence.