Kogi boils as Bello, Melaye supporters clash, two shot
The political crisis involving Kogi State governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello and Senator representing Kogi West Senatorial district, Dino Melaye has assumed a dangerous dimension as loyalists of both politicians Monday in Lokoja engaged in a bloody clash in which two persons were shot. Unconfirmed sources said both victims died afterwards.
The victims were allegedly hit by stray bullets from the shooting supporters of both factions. The confrontation turned violent when both camps squared up in close confrontation, shouting and raining abuses at their principals.
Supporters of Senator Dino Melaye who were mainly students were said to have converged on Lokoja to block attempts to continue with recall process but were met with stiff resistance from governor Yahaya Bello’s camp.
Melaye had arrived in Lokoja to address his supporters who had massed up at the gate of the State Polytechnic, Felele, on his recall from the Senate. As he spoke sporadic gunshots erupted both from his supporters and from the opposition.