Again, explosion rocks Kogi community, kills masquerader

A masquerader has been killed, while several others injured in an explosion in Okene Local Government Council of Kogi State on Thursday.

The incident which happened at Idoji area of Okene was the second in less than two weeks from the one that happened at a beer parlour in Kabba in Kogi West Senatorial district.

A cultural festival called ‘Echeane’ an annual masquerade festival in the Igbira culture was ongoing when there was an explosion on Thursday.

Eyewitnesses disclosed that the bomb suspected to be a local explosive was detonated in a gathering of spectators at the festival, adding that it left nails gouged in the wounded legs of some of the victims.

A resident who identified himself as
Usman Animuko Sani explained that the explosion occurred around 6 pm on Thursday evening when some people including masquerades gathered to celebrate the annual Echeane festival in Okene.

A victim was said to have lost his two legs immediately, one died while being carried to Okengwe General Hospital, while many others sustained injuries.

Lamenting the inability of medical personnel in Okene General Hospital to handle injured victims, an eyewitness said, those with severe injuries were referred to Lokoja for medical attention.

After the incident, Chairman of Okene Local Government Council, Mr Abdulraheem Ohiare suspended the festival and directed custodians and traditional heads to observebthe suspension.

Confirming the incident, Kogi State Police Public Relations Officer, SP William Ayah told journalists that there was an explosion in Okene where some people were injured.

He said one of the victims has also died.