Panic broke out in Ejule, Ofu Local Government Area of Kogi State, after gunmen disrupted a meeting of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), leaving one party member injured.
The incident reportedly occurred while the meeting was underway, with several shots allegedly fired into the air, sending participants and residents fleeing the venue in confusion.
A party member was reportedly injured during the ensuing stampede and was subsequently rushed to a nearby hospital, where he was receiving medical attention as of the time of filing this report.
The identities of the attackers and their affiliations remained unknown, while there was no official confirmation on the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The latest development has raised fresh concerns about political security in Ofu, an area with a history of violence during election periods.
In 2019, Salome Abuh, then Kogi State PDP Women Leader, was reportedly killed after she was burnt in her residence at Ochadamu, Ofu LGA, during the state governorship election period.
Some residents who spoke on the latest incident urged security agencies to immediately investigate the attack, identify those responsible and ensure that anyone found culpable is brought to justice.
They also called on political parties, candidates and their supporters to conduct their activities peacefully as political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections intensify.
Meanwhile, Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has called on political parties, candidates, supporters and other stakeholders to embrace peace, tolerance and responsible participation as political activities gather momentum ahead of the 2027 elections.
The governor’s appeal, conveyed by his Special Adviser on Electronic Media, Hon. Yusuf Adebayo Ohiare, urged political actors and citizens to shun thuggery, hate speech, intimidation and other actions capable of threatening the peace and security of the state.
Ododo stressed that political contests should centre on ideas, development and service to the people rather than violence, destruction or actions capable of deepening divisions.
He also urged political stakeholders to respect one another, uphold the rule of law and ensure that citizens are allowed to exercise their democratic rights freely and peacefully.
The governor maintained that preserving the peace and stability of Kogi State was a collective responsibility, urging political parties, candidates, supporters and citizens to ensure that political differences did not undermine the unity and progress of the state.
He reiterated that Kogi must remain a state where peace, democracy and development thrive, calling on all stakeholders to work together towards a peaceful electoral process.
