Pandemonium in Kogi as Masquerader, followers gunned down

There was pandemonium on Tuesday in Kogi State as a masquerader and three of his followers were killed in Okene , Kogi State, by yet-to-be identified people.

It was gathered that the killings occurred at Idare district, in the Okene Local Government Area of the state.

According to some eyewitnesses, they were gunned down by two men on a motorcycle during the Eche-Anee festival which is normally celebrated annually by the people of Kogi Central.

One of the eyewitnesses, who pleaded not to be named, told newsmen that immediately the masquerader and three of his followers were gunned down, other people at the scene took to their heels.

Meanwhile, the state government said it had banned the festival to avoid further tragedy.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the state Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, warned that any masquerader, caught on the streets would be arrested, along with its followers and those managing the masquerader.