Kogi condemns ‘barbaric’ attack on firefighters, says perpetrators will be punished

The Kogi government says those who attacked fire-fighters in Lokoja, the state capital, will face the full wrath of the law.

Firefighters responding to a distress call in Felele area of Lokoja, on Thursday, were attacked by suspected hoodlums.

The Federal Fire Service (FFS) had condemned the attack and threatened to withdraw from states that cannot guarantee the safety of firefighters.

In a statement on Friday, Kingsley Fanwo, Kogi commissioner for information and communications, described the action of the attackers as “barbaric” and said the state government will ensure that those responsible are brought to book.

“The governor of Kogi state, Alh Yahaha Bello, has directed relevant government officials to collaborate with security agencies in the state to ensure the perpetrators are brought to book,” the statement reads.

“The government of Kogi state has reached out to the fire service authorities to express concern over the barbaric and unfortunate attack as full investigations have been ordered with the aim of averting such unwarranted attack in the future.

“The administration of Alh. Yahaya Bello abhors violence of any kind. Those who save lives and property should never be put in harm’s way. This is unacceptable, condemnable and those behind it will surely be punished in accordance with the laws of the land.”

Fanwo also said a delegation will pay a visit to the FFS to reassure the agency that its facilities and officers are safe in the state.

“We appreciate the great contributions of federal agencies to the development of our state and we shall continue to create a conducive environment for them,” he added.