A journalist and bystander have been shot in Lokoja, the capital of Kogi State, as reeling looting, shooting continued there.
Emmanuel Adeyemi and the unnamed bystander are receiving treated at the state hospital, but disturbing videos and photos from there show, like in Abuja and elsewhere that security forces stood down as the raging, bare-faced criminalities continued.
Kogi, for months, has been notorious for violence up to and after last November’s gubernatorial elections which sitting Governor, Yahaya Bello, won.
Observers have noted that the violence in Kogi has been on for years, in a state with a history of brazen impunity, especially by those in power or seeking power. “It was a matter of time before Kogi did this, we are even surprised it took two weeks for this to happen given the number of unemployed, sacked unpaid workers, and anger in the state”, a resident said
All through the night, the Agriculruraal Development Project was venue of of unrestrained looting as many basically carted away fertiliser bags.
Businesses and traders shut down their outlets as shooting rent the air, and Police spokesman there, William Aya, exonerated the Police of the shootings, blaming on miscreants
The state government in a statement by its spokesman, Kingsley Fanwo, said, “It is unfortunate that sponsored mercenaries were sneaked into the town to cause mayhem. And it is sad that they shot a journalist who was performing his legitimate duties.
“Government will ensure that all the people involved in the violence are brought to book”.
