TheCable

At least 19 persons were killed after gunmen attacked Tawari community in Kogi local government area of Kogi state.

Williams Anya, spokesman of the Kogi police command, confirmed the incident to NAN on Friday.

The gunmen, who invaded the community on Thursday night, also burnt down buildings including worship centres and palace of the chief of the community.

A resident identified as Comfort Solomon told NAN that the gunmen numbering about 100 invaded the community came on motorcycles and launched the attack which lasted untill Friday morning.

Solomon said some places of worship as well as the palace of the Akuma of Tawari were razed by the attackers.

“The gunmen were up to 100 in number. They came into the community with motorcycles around 11:15 p.m. when villagers were sleeping,” he was quoted as saying in tears.

“They entered selected houses, packed foodstuff and motorcycles and burnt selected houses, including homes of clerics.

“They killed more than 15 men. The attackers were communicating with each other in Hausa language,” Solomon stated, weeping profusely.”

Rita Nuhu, another source from the area, was also quoted as saying her father’s house was burnt down during the attack.

“My mother and her sister were ordered out of the house after which the house was set ablaze, while about 15 men were killed,” she said.

“We are calling on security agencies to bring the perpetrators to justice. We appeal to the federal and state governments to come to our aid.” she pleaded.

Idris Yusuf, chief of Tawari, said it was the first time the community was experiencing such an attack, and that “our community has been very peaceful”.

The police spokesman said a security team has visited the community for an assessment of the situation and for investigation.