Deputy Governor Reportedly Sponsors Thugs To Attack SDP Members, Inflicting Severe Injuries

Fresh concerns have emerged in Kogi East following reports of a violent attack allegedly carried out by political thugs linked to the state’s Deputy Governor, Joel Oyibo.

The incident, which occurred in Ejule — the hometown of the Deputy Governor — has left at least three members of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) hospitalised with severe injuries.

Eyewitnesses said that the victims — Ademu Akowe, Aladi Atabo, and Siaka Maji — were part of a local stakeholders’ meeting of the SDP convened at the residence of a community member, Gambo Haruna, on Saturday, 10th May.

The following day, Sunday, the assailants reportedly stormed the area, targeting individuals identified as attendees of the meeting.

Residents allege that the attackers are well-known faces often seen in the company of Deputy Governor Oyibo, further fuelling suspicion of political motivation behind the violence.

“They came with weapons and attacked without provocation,” said a local source who pleaded anonymity for fear of reprisal.

“People recognised some of them as boys that move around with the Deputy Governor.”

Community leaders in Ejule have consistently raised the alarm over what they describe as Mr Oyibo’s “intimidation-style politics”, calling on the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), and Governor Usman Ododo to intervene.

“This is not the first time. Whenever opposition elements gather, attacks follow,” said a prominent indigene, lamenting the atmosphere of fear allegedly being cultivated under Oyibo’s watch.

The Deputy Governor’s political career has not been without controversy. Critics point out that he failed to deliver his own polling unit during the last general election, which they describe as riddled with irregularities.

“He doesn’t even have grassroots support. But instead of focusing on development, he’s using force to maintain control. If he cannot bring anything good, he should at least stop spreading fear, “a local leader said.

The situation has raised questions about the future of political engagement in Kogi East, especially as the 2027 general elections draw closer.

Many residents now wonder whether such tactics will do more harm than good for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Attempts to obtain comments from the Kogi State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP William Aya, were unsuccessful as calls went unanswered and text messages were not returned at the time of filing this report.

As of press time, no official statement has been issued by the office of the Deputy Governor.

The victims are reportedly receiving treatment at a private facility in Ankpa.

The SDP in the state has condemned the attack, calling it a “calculated attempt to silence the voice of the opposition through fear and brute force.”