LAGOS, April 5 (Xinhua) -- Many civilians were killed in attacks by unidentified gunmen on several villages in central Nigeria's Kogi State on Sunday, a senior official has confirmed.
Edward Onoja, deputy governor of the state, who visited the Oganenigu community on Tuesday in the company of heads of security operatives, condemned the attacks on some communities in the state where many people were killed and houses and properties destroyed.
Onoja said security forces have been directed to "dominate the area" after their initial response, which put a stop to the attacks, and to go after the fleeing gunmen and ensure that "they pay for their crimes."
David Abimaje, a community leader, told reporters that eight people were killed and scores more were wounded in the attacks in the Dekina local government area of the state between Saturday and Sunday.
Attacks by armed groups have plagued parts of Nigeria in recent months, resulting in civilian deaths and kidnappings. ■