Toba Owojaiye Reporting
In a sad turn of events, supporters of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Kogi State were on Friday attacked by gunmen suspected to be political thugs as they rallied behind their gubernatorial candidate, Alhaji Muritala Yakubu Ajaka.
Security Officials were said to have engaged in a fierce battle against the group of assailants widely believed to be acting on behalf of the incumbent State Governor, Mr. Yahaya Bello.
The first assault occurred as Ajaka’s supporters gathered for a morning rally. At approximately 10:30 am, armed thugs disrupted the peaceful gathering, firing indiscriminately.
Panic ensued as party loyalists scattered in all directions, leaving behind a scene of chaos and destruction.
The rally’s infrastructure, including the podium, canopies, chairs, and Public Address Systems, bore the brunt of the thugs’ fury.
But the violence didn’t end there. Later in the day, as Ajaka made his way to the town’s Central Mosque for Jumat Prayers after the disrupted morning rally, the assailants struck again. This time, several of Ajaka’s supporters suffered gunshot wounds, further deepening the sense of fear and insecurity that now pervades Koto-Karfe.
These incidents mark a troubling escalation in the campaign violence and intimidation tactics employed by the Governors alleged faction. The wounded SDP supporters, now victims of political thuggery, serve as a stark reminder of the urgent need for peace, security, and a fair electoral process in Kogi State.