The Ejule Forum has strongly condemned the rising tide of political violence in Ejule and surrounding communities, following an attack by armed hoodlums on members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) during a peaceful political gathering on Tuesday.
In an official statement released on Wednesday by the President of the Ejule Forum, Dr. Farouk Freedom Achimugu, the socio-cultural organisation expressed deep concern over the escalating political tension, describing the incident as an “ugly trend” that threatens the peace and stability of the area.
Dr. Achimugu emphasized that every citizen retains the fundamental right to freedom of association as guaranteed by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, stressing that political affiliation should never be a trigger for intimidation or violence.
“We, the members of Ejule Forum, condemn this act of violence in the strongest possible terms,” the statement read. “Every citizen has the right to associate freely with any political party of their choice without fear of intimidation or attack. We wish to reiterate that election is not war.”
Highlighting the shared heritage and communal bonds of the town’s residents, Dr. Achimugu reminded political actors that elections are temporary, whereas brotherhood endures. “In Ejule, we are all related by blood, and we shall remain brothers and sisters even after the elections. No political ambition is worth the blood of our people,” he declared.
The Forum called on all political candidates, party leaders, and political actors across the spectrum to rein in their supporters and refrain from utterances or actions capable of igniting further conflict in the community.
Addressing the victims of the attack, the Forum extended prayers for their swift recovery and advised them to report the matter to law enforcement authorities to seek legal redress.
Furthermore, the Ejule Forum called on law enforcement and security agencies to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation into the assault to ensure that all perpetrators are brought to justice.
“Justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done,” the President noted, while appealing to residents to resist the urge for retaliatory measures and allow security agencies to maintain order and restore peace.
