Political tension has spiked in Kogi State following a violent attack on a stakeholder meeting of the opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Lokoja, which left one person seriously injured and party property vandalized.
According to eyewitness accounts, a group of suspected political thugs stormed the venue mid-session, throwing stones, destroying chairs, and dispersing delegates who had gathered to deliberate on grassroots mobilization strategies.
- Chaos and Injury: In the ensuing stampede and scuffle, at least one party member sustained deep head cuts and was rushed to a nearby medical facility for emergency treatment, while others scampered for safety.
- Condemnation from Leadership: The state leadership of the ADC swiftly condemned the unprovoked assault, labeling it a cowardly attempt by desperate elements to suppress opposition voices and stifle freedom of association within the state.
- Call for Security Action: Party chieftains have challenged the Kogi State Police Command to smoke out the perpetrators and bring them to justice, warning that a failure to clamp down on political thuggery threatens the safety of peaceful political activities as the electoral cycle progresses.
The incident underscores ongoing fears regarding political intolerance and security volatility during party meetings, adding urgency to calls for law enforcement agencies to tighten protection around opposition gatherings.
