Arsonists struck the heart of Lokoja, Kogi state’s capital,
setting fire to the campaign office of the
Social Democratic Party (SDP). The
incident took place around midnight when suspected thugs invaded the party’s
office in Paparanda Square on IBB Driveway.
Eyewitnesses revealed that the attackers managed to chase away
the security guards before unleashing the flames that engulfed the entire
campaign office. Valuable items and important documents were consumed by the
fire, and the parked vehicles inside the headquarters were not spared either.
In the wake of the devastating attack, Dr. Sam Ranti Abenemi,
the SDP Deputy governorship candidate for the upcoming November 11
gubernatorial election, expressed his dismay. He recounted how the hoodlums had
caused extensive damage, including burning generators, computers, campaign
materials, and televisions.
Despite the severity of the situation, Dr. Abenemi urged the
party’s supporters to remain composed, assuring them that the party would
address the matter through appropriate channels.
However, the Director of Communication for the SDP standard
bearer, Faruk Adejoh-Audu, called on the global community and people of
conscience to step forward and condemn the abuse of power demonstrated through
such sustained acts of violence. He lamented that despite previous complaints
lodged with security agencies about the known perpetrators of electoral
violence, the trend persisted.
Formal complaints were once again submitted to the Kogi State
Police Command, although there was little confidence in the ability of security
agencies in Lokoja to bring the arsonists to justice. The Police Public
Relations Officer (PPRO) in Kogi, SP William Aya, was contacted about the
incident but had not responded to the reporter’s inquiry at the time of
reporting.
Muritala Yakubu Ajaka, the SDP’s standard bearer, had his travel
halted in Lokoja while on his way from Idah to Abuja. He had come to inspect
the burnt office, which had previously been vandalized on June 9, 2023. The
incident marked a distressing episode in the lead-up to the gubernatorial
election, raising concerns about the state of security and electoral integrity
in Kogi state.
