Kogi Festival Turns Deadly as Security Operatives and Masqueraders Clash, Two Feared Killed
Violence erupted during the Echane Festival in Ogaminana, Adavi Local Government Area of Kogi State, leaving two people feared dead after a confrontation between security operatives and masquerade performers turned violent.
The incident reportedly began on Sunday at Uhucheba when some security personnel were allegedly attacked by masqueraders during ongoing cultural celebrations.
According to residents, the situation escalated after the initial confrontation, prompting security operatives to return to the community in large numbers. The response allegedly led to gunfire, creating panic and forcing residents to flee for safety.
A local source, Lawal, said the trouble started when a soldier was allegedly assaulted by masqueraders at another section of Ogaminana. He explained that the development quickly spread among security personnel, triggering a retaliatory operation in the area.
During the chaos, stray bullets reportedly struck innocent residents. One victim, identified as Omeiza, a Point-of-Sale operator, was said to have been hit and later confirmed dead at a hospital. Another resident was also reportedly killed after being struck by a stray bullet inside his compound.
Community leaders and members of the Adavi Peace Committee reportedly made efforts to calm the situation, but their intervention failed to restore order as tensions had already escalated.
Following the unrest, the Kogi State Government ordered the immediate suspension of the Echane Festival across Ebiraland.
The Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, stated that the decision was based on security intelligence suggesting that continued festival activities could threaten peace and stability in parts of Kogi Central.
He added that although cultural festivals are important to the heritage of the people, the safety of lives and property remains the government’s foremost responsibility.
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has directed security agencies to enforce the suspension strictly, warning that anyone involved in organising or participating in the festival despite the order would face legal action.
Authorities have also urged traditional rulers, youth groups, and community leaders to support efforts aimed at restoring calm and preventing further violence in the affected areas.
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