Kogi Political Tension: Gunmen Storm ADC Meeting in Ejule, Several Injured

Tension has reportedly risen in Ejule, Ofu Local Government Area of Kogi State, after gunmen disrupted a meeting of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), with eyewitnesses alleging that several people were injured during the attack.

The incident reportedly occurred during a unit-to-unit mobilisation meeting, according to a report by SaharaReporters, which said armed men stormed the gathering and allegedly opened fire, forcing participants to flee.

Eyewitnesses cited in the report alleged that the attackers were led by a man identified as Besiru Mudi, popularly known as “Para”, whom they linked to political figures in the area. Those allegations have not been independently established by The Bureau Journal.

Images and videos reportedly obtained from the scene showed overturned and broken plastic chairs scattered around the meeting venue, suggesting that a confrontation had taken place during the gathering.

SaharaReporters also reported that some victims were taken to a health facility for treatment. Images published by the platform showed individuals receiving emergency medical attention, although the number and severity of injuries could not be independently verified from the available account.

The allegations have emerged against the backdrop of heightened political activity in Ofu ahead of the 2027 elections. Earlier this month, the APC held a mobilisation rally in Ejule in support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo and other party candidates.

The area has also experienced wider security concerns in recent months. In August, Deputy Governor Joel Salifu convened a security meeting in Ejule with police, military, DSS, NSCDC, community-watch officials, traditional rulers and other stakeholders following renewed incidents of kidnapping along the Itobe-Anyigba corridor.

The Bureau Journal has previously reported on the security situation around Ofu, including the abduction of NYSC members and other travellers along roads in the area and a separate attack in which suspected kidnappers abducted passengers from three commercial buses.

Eyewitnesses cited by SaharaReporters further alleged that Mudi had previously been associated with election-related violence and criminal activity in the area. Those claims remain allegations and would require confirmation from law-enforcement authorities or other independent evidence.

The report also said civil society and community groups had expressed concern over the incident and called for an investigation, with petitions reportedly directed to security agencies including the Department of State Services, Nigeria Police Force and Nigerian Army.

There was no immediate independent confirmation from the Kogi State Police Command in the report. SaharaReporters said attempts to contact the state’s Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Saliu Oyiza Afusat, for confirmation were unsuccessful.

The absence of an official police account means key details of the incident, including the identities of the attackers, the exact number of people injured, the circumstances leading to the shooting and whether any arrests have been made, remain unclear.

The development is particularly sensitive given the increasing political mobilisation across Kogi ahead of 2027. Recent political activity in the state has included the expansion of pro-Tinubu campaign structures and intensified activity by APC candidates and support groups.

Political violence and intimidation have also been a recurring concern in discussions surrounding elections in Kogi. The Bureau Journal has previously reported on security incidents involving political actors, including the killing of an APC local government chairman in Ofu during a separate gun attack along the Itobe-Ochadamu axis.

For the latest Ejule incident, however, the allegations against named individuals should not be treated as established fact until security agencies complete an investigation or those accused are given an opportunity to respond.

Any confirmed arrests, medical figures or official findings from the police and other security agencies would provide further clarity on what happened at the ADC meeting.

The incident has nevertheless renewed concerns about the need for political parties and security agencies to protect meetings and campaign activities as preparations for the 2027 elections intensify.

The Bureau Journal will continue to monitor developments and update the report if the Kogi State Police Command or other relevant authorities issue an official statement.