Ahead of Saturday’s Kogi State House of Assembly elections, unknown gunmen on Thursday afternoon attacked Sharia, a major town in Bassa Local government Area of Kogi State.
The attack led to wanton destruction and burning of houses as people ran away from the town upon sighting them, leading to the attackers burning houses at will.
DAILY POST, however, learnt that the attackers tried to burn and destroy the only bridge that connects the community with Oguma, headquarters of Bassa local government before the intervention of security operatives.
Confirming the report, Kogi State Spokesman of the Nigeria Police Mr. William Ayah said policemen were promptly deployed to the troubled community after a distress call.
“There was a distress call by the Administrator of Bassa local government and the State Commissioner of Police ordered immediate deployment of Police personnel.
“By now, the situation has been brought under control,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Administrator of Bassa Local government Area, Mr. Samuel Zakari Alumka told DAILY POST that the situation was brought under control by security operatives.
He assured the people of adequate security ahead of Saturday’s elections, adding that there would be election in the local as earlier scheduled.
“I want to assure our people not to panic. There is adequate security in the troubled areas and flash points in the local government.
“There is no going back on the election. People should come out to cast their votes on Saturday as security operatives are ready to deal with criminals,” he assured.
DAILY POST reports that there have been incessant gunmen attacks in parts of Bassa local government of Kogi State in the past months.