Kogi Bleeds Again: Chief Imam, Scores Feared Dead as Gunmen Ravage Edede Community

Residents of Edede community in Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State have been thrown into mourning following a deadly attack by suspected gunmen that reportedly left a Chief Imam and several residents dead.

The attackers, said to have stormed the community in a coordinated assault, unleashed terror on villagers, forcing many residents to flee for safety as houses and properties were destroyed during the violence.

Local sources claimed that more than 20 people may have been killed in the attack, although official casualty figures were yet to be independently confirmed at the time of filing this report.

Eyewitnesses described the incident as one of the deadliest attacks recorded in the area in recent months, with victims allegedly including religious leaders, women, and other community members caught in the chaos.

The attack has sparked fear and outrage among residents, many of whom accused security agencies of failing to respond swiftly despite growing insecurity across parts of the state.

Recent reports had already indicated rising violence around Edede and nearby communities, with armed assailants previously linked to killings, arson, and repeated raids in the area.

Security operatives were reportedly deployed to the affected community following the latest bloodshed, while local vigilante groups have intensified patrols amid fears of further attacks.

Authorities in Kogi State are yet to issue a detailed statement on the reported massacre, but residents are calling for urgent intervention and stronger security presence to prevent another tragedy.

The latest incident adds to growing concerns over worsening insecurity in several communities across North Central Nigeria, where attacks by armed groups, kidnappers, and bandits continue to claim lives and displace residents.