Gunmen suspected to be bandits attacked the Okene Area Command of the Nigerian Police Force in Kogi State the late hours of Sunday.
One of the attackers was shot dead while others escaped with gunshot wounds.
Confirming the incident in a statement on Monday, Kogi State Commissioner for Information, Kingsley Fanwo said the police station was attacked by gunmen numbering over 30.
“However, they were shown the strength and efficacy of the Kogi security architecture as the local hunters, men of the State Vigilante Service collaborated with other security operatives to spontaneously foil the attack.
“The superior firepower of the combined security network of the state ensured one of them was gunned down immediately while others ran away with various degrees of gun wounds. Two of their motorcycles were recovered as well as various arms and ammunition. Also, explosives meant to shatter the command were immediately detonated by experts,” he said.
Fanwo revealed that the onslaught against the gunmen was coordinated by the Executive Chairmen of Local Government Areas in Kogi Central and the Senior Special Assistant on Security to the Governor in charge of Kogi Central.
“This is the second time in less than two months that Kogi proved impregnable to criminals as tens of them lost their lives in the attack on Yagba West LGA of the state last December.
“The Executive Governor of the State, Alh. Yahaya Bello is renowned for stating that, ‘the criminals will come in their numbers but go back in their zeros’. The gunmen have been thoroughly given the Kogi treat,” he added.
Fanwo confirmed that no innocent lives were lost in the cross fire and called on traditional medical homes and other medical facilities to report anyone with gun wounds to the nearest security formation.
“Our local hunters are giving them a run for their money in the bush right now. We shall keep you updated on developments.”
He stated that the Governor has assured all Kogites and residents of the state that he will do everything humanly possible to secure their lives and property.