Suspected political thugs armed with guns, cutlasses, axes and machetes attacked a Nigeria Democratic Congress town hall meeting in Oregun, Lagos, on Thursday, injuring four party members as supporters waited for presidential candidate Peter Obi and his running mate Rabiu Kwankwaso, a party official said.
Olamilekan Olayiwola, the NDC’s Ward F chairman and security coordinator for the event, said party supporters had arrived at the venue as early as 8 a.m. when five commercial LT buses parked outside. The occupants threatened to disrupt the gathering before launching the assault.
“The attack started around 8 a.m. Before it happened, I saw five LT buses parked outside the premises, with their occupants threatening to scatter everything,” Olayiwola said. “They had guns, cutlasses and axes. They attacked us, forcing some of our members to mobilise the women to defend themselves.”
He said four members were injured and several others had their mobile phones stolen. No regular police officers were present when the attack began, though two Department of State Services operatives fired warning shots that dispersed the assailants, according to Olayiwola.
He urged political leaders and security agencies to ensure adequate protection for campaign events and polling units in Lagos State. “If nothing is done, the situation could turn bloody,” he warned.
Police said they had not been notified of any political rally at the venue. By the time of the report, more than 20 armed officers had arrived at the scene, where NDC members remained waiting for Obi and Kwankwaso.
