Tragedy in Kogi: Suspected Herdsmen K!ll 15-Year-Old Student in Kogi

 

In a devastating turn of events, a 15-year-old student, Kola Sunday, was tragically shot and killed by suspected herdsmen while working on his family’s farm in Odo-Ere, a community in Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State.

Kola, a Senior Secondary School Three (SS3) student at United Comprehensive College, Odo-Ere, was on the farm during the weekend with his two siblings when the suspected assailants launched an unprovoked attack. According to eyewitness accounts from the community, the boys were tending to their family crops when gunshots rang out from the surrounding bushes.

Tragically, one of the bullets struck Kola directly in the head. He died on the spot before any help could arrive.

“Suspected herders shot three of the young boys on the farm on Saturday. Unfortunately, the bullet hit the head of one of them, Kola Sunday. He fell and d!ed in the process before help could reach him. The two survivors came home with gunshot wounds to alert the community of the encounter, which ignited emotion in the whole community,” a resident of Odo-Ere told NaijaRush under the condition of anonymity.

The heartbreaking news quickly spread through the town, sparking outrage, fear, and sorrow. Kola was described as a bright and promising young student who had dreams of completing his education and contributing positively to his community.

The attack has been widely condemned by local stakeholders, including the Better Yagba West Youths Forum, a grassroots youth advocacy group in Kogi State.

In a strongly worded statement issued by the forum’s spokesperson, Babatunde Stephen, the group denounced the attack as a horrific act of brutality:

“We vehemently condemn this senseless act of violence. The loss of such a promising young soul at the prime age of his life and academic career is both heartbreaking and utterly unacceptable. Our hearts go out to Kola’s family, his classmates, and all those affected by this tragedy.”

The group also used the opportunity to call for decisive action from local authorities and security agencies to address the growing wave of insecurity in Yagba West and its surrounding areas.

“We urge the Yagba West Local Government Authority, the leadership of the Ere community, security agencies, and all critical stakeholders to synergise efforts in finding lasting solutions to the growing insecurity threatening the peace and stability of Yagba West.”

The killing of Kola Sunday has once again brought attention to the escalating tensions between farming communities and suspected armed herders across several parts of Nigeria. It also underscores the urgent need for improved rural security, community policing, and government intervention to prevent further loss of innocent lives.

As the community mourns the untimely death of a young life full of potential, questions remain unanswered: Who will bring justice for Kola? And how many more young lives will be lost before action is taken?

NaijaRush will continue to follow this developing story and provide updates as more information becomes available.