WATCH: Many Causalities As Kogi Deputy Gov Sponsor Thugs To Attack SDP Members
Joel Oyibo, The Deputy Governor of Kogi State, has been accused again of spnsoring political thugs, following reports of an attack on members of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Ejule.
Ejule is the hometown of the deputy governor, Joel.
According to eyewitness accounts, the victims — Ademu Akowe, Aladi Atabo, and Siaka Maji — were among those who attended a political meeting held last Saturday at the residence of one Gambo Haruna in Ejule.
The meeting was said to be a gathering of local SDP stakeholders.
Sources alleged that the attack occurred last Sunday and was carried out by known political thugs purportedly linked to Deputy Governor Oyibo.
Victims reportedly recognised the assailants as individuals frequently seen accompanying the Deputy Governor in the area.
Community leaders and forums in Ejule have previously raised the alarm over what they described as Oyibo’s consistent use of force and intimidation, calling for intervention from both the state and national security agencies.
Despite holding a public office, Oyibo is said to move around with armed escorts, a move locals describe as “a threat rather than a guarantor of security.”
Critics also point to Oyibo’s controversial rise to power, noting that he lost his polling unit during the last election, which many have described as fraudulent.
Despite public outcry and multiple calls for restraint, residents allege that he continues to assert his political presence in Kogi East through intimidation rather than development.
“Nobody is expecting him to bring development since he’s financially handicapped, but he should at least not bring destruction,” a local leader stated under anonymity.
With the 2027 general elections approaching, citizens and stakeholders are questioning whether such tactics will benefit the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the region.
The statement also calls on key figures including Governor Usman Ododo, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Security (DSS), and prominent APC members from Igala land — including Yusuf Okala — to monitor and address the Deputy Governor’s alleged actions.
The situation remains tense, with community members closely watching how state authorities will respond.
Attempts to get comments from the Kogi Police Public Relations Officer, Williams Aya, proved abortive, as calls were not picked while a text message sent on the development was not replied.
