Troops Recover 80 Rustled Cattle in Kogi, Hunt Suspects Over Killing of Two Herders
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army, in collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), the Department of State Services (DSS), and local vigilantes, have recovered 80 rustled cattle following an attack that claimed the lives of two herders in Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred on Sunday when suspected hunters from Omi/Ogar community allegedly killed the two herders and rustled about 100 cattle belonging to them.
Acting on a distress report at about 9:30 a.m., troops of the 12 Brigade deployed at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Egbe, alongside other security agencies and vigilantes, launched an offensive operation to the affected area.
The operation led to the recovery of 80 of the stolen cattle, while efforts are ongoing to trace and recover the remaining animals.
Preliminary investigations indicated that the attack was allegedly carried out by hunters from Ogar community, reportedly led by a suspect identified simply as Mr. Sunday.
However, attempts by security operatives to arrest the suspects were unsuccessful as most of the male residents had reportedly fled the community before the arrival of the joint security team.
Security agencies have intensified efforts, in collaboration with local authorities, to apprehend those responsible for the attack and ensure they are brought to justice.
Sources said the security situation in the area has remained calm, with troops maintaining surveillance and monitoring developments to forestall any breakdown of law and order.
