Okene Under Standstill As Soldiers, Suspected Insurgents Engage In Gun Battle

Troops are engaging some suspected insurgents in a gun fight at Inike axis, Okene Local Government Area of Kogi state.

According to Daily Trust, trouble started at about 5 am on Tuesday when soldiers mobilized to the area to arrest some members of the group following intelligence reports.

The group, it was learnt, opened fire upon sighting the soldiers injuring one of them (soldiers), while the troops returned fire and reportedly burnt down their mosque.

It is not yet clear, the number of casualties as the gun battle is still said to be ongoing.

Residents of the area are also said to have scampered for safety.

Confirming the incident, the Kogi State Police Public Relations Officer, Ovye Aya William, said the Nigerian Army was embarking on a raid in the area.

The police spokesman further stated that Okene is currently under standstill following the development.