The suspected perpetrators of the crisis that devastated Bagana in Kogi state’s Omala Local Government Area last week have been apprehended, according to the State Governor Alhaji Ahmed Ododo.

The gunmen’s raid into the neighborhood last week claimed the lives of at least twenty-five people and destroyed millions of dollars’ worth of property.

Speaking to reporters on Wednesday just after the Eid Fitr prayers at the Okene Central praying ground, the governor stated that while an investigation is still on to determine the degree of those arrested’s participation, the culprits and their supporters have been taken into custody.

Critics of the government were labeled as “noisemakers and those without stake as far as governance is concerned,” as he attacked them.

“Reacting to noisemakers and those that do not have a stake as far as governance is concerned is not part of the mandate given to me by the good people of Kogi State and Mr President.

“The crisis in Bagana in Omala Local Government did not start today. It has been in existence for over 45 years ago, precisely 1978. We are doing our best to make sure peace is restored within the area.

“As I speak to you today, the suspected sponsors have been arrested and investigations are ongoing.

“They are giving us useful information that will lead to the arrest of other suspects. As soon as we are done with that investigation, the report will be made known to the public,” the governor said.

However, the number of suspects who were taken into custody was not disclosed by the governor.

In what was called a “reprisal” attack, the gunmen broke into the two villages on Thursday, according to eyewitnesses in Lokoja who spoke with newsmen last Friday.

In Benue State, the Agatu militia and the robbers were reportedly engaged in a protracted conflict.

The shooters attacked them, according to a local who lost his wife and kids, and said that the locals were working with the Agatus to harm them.