2 killed as security operatives, masquerades clash in Kogi

Two persons were reportedly killed following a clash between security operatives and masquerades in Uhucheba community, Ogaminana, in Adavi Local Government Area of Kogi State during the ongoing Echane Festival. Sources in the community said the violence erupted on Sunday after some security personnel were allegedly assaulted by masquerades at Inorere, Ogaminana, while festival activities were underway. The incident reportedly triggered a confrontation after the affected operatives allegedly mobilised their colleagues and returned to the community. Witnesses claimed that sporadic gunshots were fired during the ensuing chaos. Efforts by the Adavi Peace Committee and the local cultural union to de-escalate tensions and pacify the aggrieved security personnel were reportedly unsuccessful. A resident, Lawal, alleged that the crisis began after a soldier was attacked by masquerades participating in the festival. “It was alleged that the masquerades beat a soldier in the community. The news of the assault spread to other operatives in the area, leading to their intervention,” he said. According to him, the indiscriminate shooting that followed resulted in casualties among residents. “One young man identified as Omeiza was hit by a stray bullet and was confirmed dead on arrival at the hospital. He was a popular POS operator in the Uhucheba community. “Another victim was reportedly struck by a stray bullet while at his residence and also died from the injury,” he added. Meanwhile, the Kogi State Government has announced the immediate suspension of the Echane Festival across Ebiraland. In a statement issued on Sunday, the state government said the decision was based on credible intelligence indicating that activities associated with the festival could threaten public peace, safety and security in parts of Kogi Central Senatorial District. The statement, signed by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, said the government recognised the cultural significance of traditional festivals but stressed that the protection of lives and property remained its foremost responsibility. “Consequently, His Excellency, the Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has directed that the Echane Festival be suspended with immediate effect in the interest of peace and public safety,” the statement said. The governor also directed all security agencies in the state to ensure strict compliance with the directive. The government further called on traditional rulers, community leaders, youth groups and residents of affected communities to cooperate with security agencies and support efforts aimed at maintaining peace and stability across the state. Efforts to obtain an official reaction from the Kogi State Police Command were unsuccessful, as the command’s spokesperson, ASP Saliu Oyiza Afusat, did not respond to calls or text messages as of the time of filing this report.