At least two persons have been feared killed following a violent clash between security operatives and masquerades during the Echane Festival in Uhucheba, Ogaminana, Adavi Local Government Area of Kogi State.
Eyewitnesses said the crisis began on Sunday when some security personnel were allegedly assaulted by masquerades at Inorere while festival activities were ongoing.
The incident was said to have triggered a reprisal, as the affected operatives reportedly mobilised reinforcement and stormed the community, firing gunshots indiscriminately.
Residents said efforts by the Adavi Peace Committee and local cultural groups to restore calm were unsuccessful as tensions escalated.
A community source, identified as Lawal, said the confrontation started after reports that a soldier was attacked by masquerades during the celebration.
He added that the situation worsened when security operatives intervened, leading to panic and chaos in the area.
Two residents were reportedly hit by stray bullets during the incident and later confirmed dead at a hospital. One of the victims was identified as a Point-of-Sale operator known as Omeiza, while the second was said to have been struck inside his compound.
Following the violence, the Kogi State Government announced the immediate suspension of the Echane Festival across Ebiraland.
Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, said the decision followed credible intelligence suggesting that festival-related activities could threaten public peace and security.
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo also directed security agencies to enforce the suspension and warned that anyone found participating in the banned activities would face legal consequences.
Meanwhile, police authorities in the state were yet to issue an official statement on the incident at the time of filing this report.

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