Gunmen kill two soldiers in Okene, Kogi state

Barely 24 hours after 17 worshippers at a Deeper Life Bible Church were slained by rampaging gunmen in Okene, a town near Lokoja, the capital of Kogi state, two soldiers have been shot dead by attackers.

The police in Kogi state have confirmed the killing, saying the attackers, “unknown gunmen” attacked a patrol van in which the soldiers drove in, killing two instantly and injuring others.

Ile Simon, sopkesperson of the Kogi state police command could not confirm the number of soldiers injured from the attack. He however confirmed the killing of the two soldiers.

Gunmen had the previous night stormed a Deeper Life church in Okene, killing members who were observing a night bible study session.

The soldiers were deployed to the town after the incident, to prevent reprisals, further attacks and convince residents of government’s concern for their security.

Following the escalating breakdown of internal security, the government has deployed troops in 33 states across the country.

Last week, eight soldiers were killed in Damaturu, the capital of Yobe state, North East Nigeria, in a similar attack.

The dreaded Boko Haram terrorist sect later claimed responsibility for the attack.

Tensed Kogi

Following the attacks, residents of Okene and Lokoja, the capital city now live in fear of further attacks. Earlier on Tuesday, pandemonium broke in Lokoja after residents suspected that a trash bag found in the premises of a church contained explosive.

But the police in Lokoja dismissed the speculation shortly after inspecting the harmless bag. Residents remained on the alert as speculations that the dreaded Boko Haram sect had infiltrated the town, ready to wreck havoc.

The state governor, Idris Wada, has declared a dusk to dawn curfew in the Okene area.

The Inspector General of the Nigeria Police, Mohammed Abubakar, has also ordered a round-the-clock patrol of suspected flashpoints in the state.

Details to follow…