At least seven people have been killed after gunmen dressed in military camouflage attacked Okele-Ejule community in Ofu Local Government Area of Kogi State.
The attackers reportedly stormed the community at about 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 4, 2026, and opened fire indiscriminately. Several residents were killed on the spot, while others fled for safety.
Local sources said the death toll could rise after another body was recovered from a nearby bush on Sunday morning.
The motive behind the attack remains unclear, with residents offering different explanations.
While some community sources claimed that some of the victims had criminal records, others suspected a political angle.
A source who spoke to _Daily Trust_ alleged that some of those killed had previously been on the radar of the Department of State Services (DSS) over suspected involvement in kidnapping and other crimes in Ejule and neighboring communities.
“Those killed were alleged to be either kidnappers or informants,” the source said.
Other residents described the incident as another attack by unidentified gunmen in the area.
The Kogi State Police Command confirmed the incident. In a statement, spokesperson ASP Saliu Oyiza Afusat said operatives recovered three male corpses from a bush along the Ochadamu–Umomi Road in Ofu LGA.
“On Saturday, 4th July 2026, at about 4:35 p.m., there was a report of three male corpses discovered in a bush along the Ochadamu–Umomi Road in Ofu Local Government Area,” the statement read.
“Upon receipt of the report, police operatives, led by the DPO of Ofu Division, promptly mobilized to the scene, where the bodies, which bore suspected gunshot injuries, were recovered.”
According to the police, the corpses were taken to Grimard Hospital Mortuary in Anyigba for preservation and autopsy. Coroner’s procedures have also been initiated.
The deceased were identified as: Ibrahim Lawal, 30; Ayuba Salisu, 28; and Mudi Magi, 42 — all of Ejule in Ofu LGA.
“Preliminary investigation indicated that the victims were attacked in Ejule, Ofu Local Government Area, before their bodies were discovered along the Ochadamu–Umomi Road,” the statement added.
The police said a comprehensive investigation is ongoing to unravel the circumstances surrounding the attack and to apprehend those responsible.
