Panic in Ebiraland as Festival Violence Claims Two Lives, Government Orders Immediate Suspension

At least two people have been killed and several others injured following a violent clash between soldiers and participants in the Echane Masquerade Festival in Ogaminana, Adavi Local Government Area of Kogi State.

The incident occurred on Sunday and has prompted the Kogi State Government to suspend the annual cultural festival across Ebiraland.
According to eyewitnesses, the crisis began when two soldiers dressed in civilian clothes were allegedly attacked by some masqueraders taking part in the festival procession. The soldiers were said to have later returned with reinforcements, leading to a confrontation that escalated into violence.
Residents reported that the soldiers allegedly opened fire after returning to the area, causing panic as people ran for safety. Some members of the community were also said to have responded by throwing stones at the security personnel.
The shooting reportedly resulted in the deaths of two innocent residents. One of the victims, identified as Omeiza, a Point-of-Sale (POS) operator, was reportedly inside his kiosk when a stray bullet struck him. He was later confirmed dead.
Another victim was said to have sustained gunshot wounds while sitting inside his home. He reportedly died shortly after being taken to a hospital for treatment.
A separate eyewitness account suggested that the confrontation may have involved off-duty soldiers who had returned home to participate in the festival. The soldiers were reportedly angered after learning that some of their colleagues had been attacked by masqueraders in the Inorere area of Ogaminana.
Community leaders, including members of the Adavi Peace Committee and local cultural associations, reportedly attempted to mediate and calm tensions, but their efforts were unsuccessful.
Sources further claimed that the aggrieved soldiers requested additional support from their operational base in Okene. Security personnel later arrived at the scene and allegedly began firing shots, leading to casualties among bystanders and injuries to several others.
Following the incident, residents appealed to the Kogi State Government and relevant security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation, ensure justice for the victims, and prevent a recurrence of such violence.
Efforts to obtain an official response from the Kogi State Police Command were unsuccessful. Calls and text messages sent to the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Afusat Oyiza Saliu, were not answered as of the time this report was filed.
In response to the incident, the Kogi State Government announced the immediate suspension of the Echane Festival throughout Ebiraland.
The decision was contained in a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo. He explained that intelligence reports had raised concerns that activities associated with the festival could threaten public safety and trigger a breakdown of law and order in parts of Kogi Central.
While acknowledging the festival’s cultural significance and its role in preserving Ebira heritage, the government stressed that the protection of lives and property remains its foremost responsibility.
Consequently, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo directed the immediate suspension of all festival-related activities and instructed security agencies to ensure full compliance across affected communities.
The government also warned that any individual or group found organising, participating in, or promoting activities connected to the suspended festival would face sanctions in accordance with the law.
Traditional rulers, community leaders, youth groups, and residents were urged to cooperate with security agencies to maintain peace and prevent further unrest.
The state government reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding citizens and sustaining the peace and stability for which Kogi State is known.