Suspected political thugs on Tuesday disrupted a meeting of the opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Ejule, Ofu Local Government Area of Kogi State, sending party members and supporters fleeing for safety.
The incident reportedly occurred while the meeting was ongoing, as the suspected attackers allegedly fired several shots sporadically into the air, causing panic among participants and residents of the area.
A member of the party was said to have sustained injuries during the ensuing commotion and was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he is currently receiving treatment.
The identities of those behind the attack could not be immediately ascertained as of the time of filing this report.
The incident has, however, raised fresh concerns over the security situation in Ofu LGA, an area with a history of politically motivated violence, particularly during election periods.
In 2019, the PDP Women Leader in Kogi State, Salome Abuh, was reportedly burnt to death in her home at Ochadamu, Ofu LGA, during the period of the governorship election.
Some indigenes who spoke with LEADERSHIP on the telephone yesterday expressed concern over the latest development and called on security agencies and other relevant authorities to urgently strengthen security in the area.
They warned that failure to take proactive measures could lead to a recurrence of past violent incidents, urging political actors and their supporters to embrace peaceful conduct ahead of the 2027 general elections.
They also appealed to the security agencies to investigate the attack, identify those responsible and bring them to justice to prevent further escalation of political violence in the area.
