A violent confrontation between soldiers and participants in the Echane Masquerade Festival in Ogaminana, Adavi Local Government Area of Kogi State, has left at least two people dead and several others injured.
The incident, which occurred on Sunday, May 31, 2026, reportedly began when two soldiers, said to have been dressed in civilian clothing, were allegedly attacked by some masqueraders taking part in the festival procession. Eyewitnesses said the soldiers later returned with reinforcements, escalating tensions that quickly spiralled into violence.
According to residents, the soldiers allegedly opened fire upon returning to the area, triggering panic as festival-goers and bystanders fled in different directions. Some residents were also said to have responded by throwing stones at the security personnel.
The shooting reportedly claimed the lives of two residents. One of the victims, identified as Omeiza, a Point-of-Sale (POS) operator, was said to have been inside his kiosk when he was struck by a stray bullet and was later confirmed dead.
Another victim reportedly sustained gunshot injuries while inside his home and died shortly after being taken to hospital.
A separate account from eyewitnesses suggested that the crisis may have involved off-duty soldiers who were attending the festival and allegedly reacted after learning that some of their colleagues had been assaulted by masqueraders in the Inorere area of Ogaminana. Community leaders, including members of the Adavi Peace Committee and local cultural associations, reportedly intervened in an attempt to restore calm, but their efforts were unsuccessful.
Sources further claimed that the aggrieved soldiers called for reinforcement from their base in Okene, after which additional personnel arrived and allegedly opened fire, resulting in casualties among bystanders and injuries to several others.
Residents have since called on the Kogi State Government and relevant security agencies to carry out a thorough investigation into the incident, ensure accountability, and prevent further outbreaks of violence.
