Lokoja / Kogi State — December 3, 2025 | Dalena Reporters
Security forces — including soldiers and policemen have been deployed to a troubled community in Kogi State following widespread protests by residents angered by repeated terrorist attacks. The deployment comes after youths staged demonstrations demanding protection, but clashes erupted and reportedly left two protesting youths dead.
According to local sources, the protest broke out after a recent spate of violent raids claimed the lives of civilians and intensified fears across the community. More than just blocking roads and raising voices of dissent, some residents say they had hoped the protest would trigger urgent government and security intervention.
When soldiers and police arrived on the scene late Tuesday night, tensions escalated. Witnesses told reporters that the security forces used live ammunition — a move that protest organisers and local leaders have condemned as excessive. Two youths were reportedly shot and killed; others were injured. At least three youths were said to have been detained following the incident. (According to community sources speaking with SaharaReporters)
The development is likely to fuel even deeper distrust between residents and security agencies at a time when many in the region already view government protection as inadequate. Watchers warn that heavy-handed responses to civilian protests over insecurity risk amplifying grievances and may provoke further unrest in affected communities.
Calls are growing for independent investigations into the use of force and for transparent accountability from authorities. Activists, human-rights groups, and local leaders urge the state government to address the root causes insecurity, banditry, and lack of effective protection — rather than treat protests as criminal acts.
By Dalena Reporters — North-Central Nigeria Desk