The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has expressed deep concern over the violent attacks on its supporters in the Eastern Senatorial District of Kogi State. The party has called on security agencies to launch a thorough investigation into the matter.
Isaiah Ijele, the Director of New Media for the Muri/Sam Campaign Council, made this plea in a statement issued on Thursday morning. He stressed the urgent need to address the recurring acts of violence that have long plagued the political landscape of Kogi State.
Footage circulating on social media showed brutal attacks on individuals allegedly loyal to the SDP. Ijele emphasized that such acts of violence not only rob citizens of their fundamental rights to freedom of expression, association, and peaceful assembly, but also pose a threat to their safety.
Ijele further called on the police and other authorities to take proactive measures in preventing politically motivated violence. It is vital that inflammatory statements which could incite further attacks or discourage citizens from supporting their preferred political parties be avoided.
Providing more details about the recent attack on their supporters, Ijele stated, “In the last 48 hours, these attacks occurred twice in Ajiolo Ojaji, located in Dekina Local Government Area, which is the birthplace of a serving Senator from Kogi East.
He continued, “We do not wish to witness a similar tragedy like the one in Ochadamu, where a woman was horrendously murdered, and the incident was referred to as a ‘retaliatory attack.’ No life should be sacrificed for any politician’s ambition. It is important to note that a similar incident took place last night in Ugwolawo, in the Ofu Local Government Area.”
Ijele emphasized the immediate need for the security authorities to conduct a thorough, independent, and impartial investigation into these assaults. It is crucial that the perpetrators are brought to justice.
He added that security agencies must also ensure the full protection of the rights to freedom of expression, association, and peaceful assembly during the upcoming election and its aftermath.
