Kogi state is situated in the middle belt of Nigeria. It was created in 1991 among some other states in Nigeria. The state is nicknamed the confluence state due to the intermingling of the two largest river in Nigeria, the river Niger and river Benue in Lokoja. The state was formally known for peace and tranquility, as the people of the state love and share common things without thinking about diversity of tribes. But, politics in Kogi state today has refrained unity for segregation.
Kogi politics has added another definition to the definitions of politics. Before now, one can view politics as the game of interest and integrity. Kogi state political view today is different. It can be viewed in many negative understandings. Kogi politics can be defined as a game of selfishness, intimidation, violence, hate, tribalism, nepotism, and tribal segregation. The recent happening in Kogi state political atmosphere could be inculcated as tyrannical and manipulative, which tends to impose unwanted personalities over the electorates choice.
The APC primaries that took place in April 14th 2023, in Kogi state have shown how iniquitous Kogi election could be as most delegates complained about the irregularities of the primary election. Kogi state is a place where electoral violence have become the order of the day, as people’s house are being burnt and destroyed by political thugs who are being sent by opposition party in order to scare opponents, and forcefully coaxed them to vote for their party during election.
On the 20th of June 2023, one Kabiru Bala alias Okwo was killed at Ejule in Ofu local government area of Kogi State after serial attack on the people of Ejule community. The said okwo was a known member of the All Progressive Congress (APC) who participated in the APC national convention that held in March 26th 2022, in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. Okwo was attacked and killed because he decamped from his formal party APC, and was labeled a criminal. The okwo who is now labeled as criminal was used by the same APC to cause choas in the eastern part of kogi, causing unrest to political opponents, terrifying various communities and lots of other atrocious actions being carried out by him and his boys.
The issue of political violence in Kogi state has resulted to several destruction of lives and properties. The incident that transpired in Ejule which resulted to the burning down of opponent hotels, houses, and many other properties worth millions of naira.The death of a married woman, a young man as well as the aforementioned Okwo.
These incidents proliferates everyday. One could recalled the burning down of Ochaja Radio station that is situated in Ochaja, Okura Axis of Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State by unknown political hoodlums.
The violence keep emanating from different places in Kogi state, most especially the Kogi east senatorial district. Destruction of political campaign banners, campaign offices, and many other things related to opposition parties.
Political violence in Kogi state has caused a lot of damages in the state, and it would be more bitter if the federal government does not intervene in the current political situation in Kogi state.
– Yahaya Amiru, Mass Communication Student at Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyigba, Kogi State.
