By Our Senior Reporter

The Kogi State House of Assembly has called for a major overhaul of the community-based security structure in Kupa, Lokoja Local Government Area, following a deadly clash that reportedly claimed 12 lives.

The lawmakers specifically demanded the immediate disbandment of existing vigilante structures operating in Kupa and the retrieval of firearms in their possession.

The resolution followed a Matter of Urgent Public Importance presented by the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Aliyu Umar Yusuf, during Tuesday’s plenary.

https://voxnews.com.ng/benue-insecurity-aondoakaa-guma-ortom-collective-action/

The Speaker, who represents Lokoja II State Constituency, said the violence erupted after an initial confrontation involving the Kupa Community Vigilante group and a hybrid vigilante group associated with Fulani herders.

12 Reportedly Killed

According to the motion, the crisis began in the early hours of Thursday, August 6, 2026, following reports of armed men in Eguchidan, Kupa South.

The situation reportedly escalated around Abugi, headquarters of Kupa Kingdom and location of the community’s major Thursday market.

The Speaker said a member of the hybrid vigilante group was injured during the confrontation and later died.

He said the incident was followed by mobilisation and retaliatory attacks in parts of Kupa.

The reported casualties included three deaths in Eguchidan, six in Emiku and two at Abugi, in addition to the member of the hybrid vigilante group who reportedly died from his injuries.

Several residents were also said to have sustained gunshot wounds, including the Chief Imam of Kupa, Alhaji Gimba Aliyu.

‘Hunters of Criminals Now Hunted‘

The Speaker expressed concern over what he described as the transformation of vigilante groups from crime-fighting partners into rival armed formations.

He recalled that the Kogi State Vigilante Service was established with legislative backing during the administration of former Governor Yahaya Bello to complement conventional security agencies.

He said the structure was designed to accommodate members of different communities.

However, the Speaker said the arrangement in Kupa had become a source of rivalry.

“Rather than collaboration in fighting crimes, the groups have assumed borderless powers beyond imaginations which has snowballed into unhealthy rivalry within the Vigilante Service in the area such that the supposed hunters of criminals have now become the hunted,” he said.

Forest Guards Proposed as Alternative

As part of measures to prevent further violence, the Assembly called for the immediate deployment of recruited Forest Guards to Kupa.

The lawmakers urged the government to consider recruiting mature and trusted indigenes of Kupa who understand the local terrain.

They also called for additional police deployment to the area and referred to the existing directive of the Inspector-General of Police concerning the Abugi Divisional Police Office.

NSA Asked to Disband Hybrid Group

The Assembly further called on the National Security Adviser to urgently disband the hybrid vigilante group of Fulani herders operating in Lokoja Local Government Area.

The lawmakers said the move was necessary to prevent further clashes and strengthen confidence in the formal security architecture.

Governor Ododo Gets Commendation

The Assembly commended Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for ordering the immediate deployment of security personnel after receiving reports of the violence.

The Speaker said the deployment helped restore peace and order in the affected communities.

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/terminally-ill-woman-20-hours-in-emergency-department-9.7301258

The House resolved to send a letter of appreciation to the governor and also commended the Commandant, Army Records, Chari Megumeri Barracks, Lokoja, and the Kogi State Commissioner of Police for their response.

The lawmakers observed a minute’s silence in honour of those killed.

The Assembly’s resolutions have renewed debate over the regulation, accountability and use of firearms by community-based security groups in Kogi State.