2 Killed As Soldiers, Masqueraders Clash In Kogi Festival

At least two persons have been confirmed dead following a violent clash between soldiers and participants in the ongoing Echane Masquerade Festival in Ogaminana, headquarters of Adavi Local Government Area of Kogi State.

Eyewitnesses said the incident began on Sunday when two soldiers, reportedly dressed in mufti, were allegedly assaulted by masqueraders taking part in a festival procession.

According to a witness, the soldiers left the scene and later returned with reinforcements.

“Two soldiers who were not in uniform were beaten by a masquerade. They went back and mobilized their colleagues to the area. On their return, they started shooting sporadically, which led to chaos. Residents also responded by pelting stones at the soldiers,” the eyewitness said.

The situation reportedly escalated as the soldiers allegedly opened fire in different directions, triggering panic and causing casualties among residents.

One of the victims, identified as Omeiza, a Point of Sale (POS) operator, was said to have been inside his kiosk when he was struck by a stray bullet. He was later confirmed dead.

Another victim reportedly sustained gunshot wounds while inside his residence and died shortly after being taken to hospital.

Another eyewitness account suggested that the violence may have stemmed from earlier tensions involving off-duty soldiers who had returned home for the festival and reacted after reports that colleagues were assaulted by masqueraders in Inorere, Ogaminana.

According to the source, attempts by the Adavi Peace Committee and local cultural groups to calm tensions and mediate between both sides were unsuccessful.

“Despite immediate intervention by community leaders and stakeholders, all mediation efforts failed. The soldiers allegedly called for reinforcements from their operational base in Okene. Upon arrival, the responding troops began firing sporadically into the air,” the eyewitness said.

The source added that the indiscriminate shooting resulted in fatalities among innocent bystanders and left several others injured.

Residents have called on the Kogi State Government and security agencies to investigate the incident and prevent further breakdown of law and order in the area.

Efforts to obtain an official reaction from the Kogi State Police Command were unsuccessful as of press time. The Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Afusat Oyiza Saliu, did not respond to calls or messages.

Meanwhile, the Kogi State Government has suspended the ongoing Echane Festival across Ebiraland, citing security concerns and the need to prevent further violence.

In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, the government said credible intelligence indicated that activities linked to the festival could threaten public peace and security in parts of Kogi Central Senatorial District.

While acknowledging the cultural importance of traditional festivals, the government stressed that the protection of lives and property remained its top priority.

Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, according to the statement, directed the immediate suspension of the festival in the interest of peace and public safety.

He also instructed security agencies to enforce strict compliance and warned that anyone found participating in or promoting the suspended festival would face sanctions.

The government appealed to traditional rulers, community leaders, youth groups, and residents to cooperate with security agencies and help maintain peace in the affected areas.

Reaffirming its commitment to stability, the state government said it would continue to take proactive measures to safeguard lives and property across Kogi State.