Police kill youth protesting Fulani herdsmen activities in Kogi

– Police in Kogi shot at protesters after allegation that youths killed cows belonging to Fulani herdsmen
– Residents denied that they were responsible for the killing of any cow
– The incident has sparked mayhem in the community Mayhem broke in Kogi as police shot at people

who were protesting against the activities of herdsmen in the state. The Punch reports that the tragic incident occurred in Umomi community in the Ofu local government area of the state. It was reported that herdsmen reported to the police that their cows had been killed by the residents and in reaction, security operatives from Ugwolawo command invaded the community and arrested three people.

who lives in the community however denied the allegation. Share on Facebook Share on Twitter He said: “We have issues with the Fulani herdsmen and that has been on for as long as 15 years. They have been destroying our farmland with reckless abandon. As I speak with you, our community is wrecked.” Sani E

mmanuel who also resides in the community claimed the herdsmen made the allegation because they had been ordered out of the community. The protest sparked protest as youths blocked roads and sang solidarity songs.

 A witness said: “The protest, which started around 10am, was peaceful and it was within our village. Suddenly, armed policemen from the Ugwolawo division drove in and shot live bullets into the crowd. We all fled without knowing what had happened. The policemen had left before we knew they had killed two people.”

The bodies of the deceased were left by the roadside until the Ata of Igala, Mr. Michael Idakwo arrived and asked the families to bury the deceased youths. Another witness lamented: “We don’t know who to cry to now that the police, who are supposed to protect us, have turned against us. We don’t know any human rights organisation to turn to. Please help us; we are helpless.”