Multiple injuries were reported at a town hall meeting organized by the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Oregun area of Lagos when suspected thugs attacked the gathering. The assailants, reportedly armed with weapons, disrupted the meeting while it was in progress, causing chaos as participants fled for safety.
The attack occurred at the Classic Event Place, where NDC presidential candidate Peter Obi was scheduled to address supporters. The party’s candidate for the Ikeja Federal Constituency, Joseph Orukpe, stated that the event was intended to prepare for Obi and his running mate Rabiu Kwankwaso’s official rally in Lagos.
Following the initial attack, NDC supporters regrouped and confronted the assailants, resulting in further violence that forced local residents to evacuate the area. Reports indicated that while many attackers managed to escape, one individual was apprehended and beaten before being handed over to police. The arrested person claimed to be soliciting money, denying any wrongdoing on behalf of the thugs.
The NDC condemned the incident, calling it an infringement on democratic rights and a strategy to intimidate opposition before the 2027 elections. The party’s spokesperson expressed sympathy for the injured and demanded immediate accountability for those involved, emphasizing that no party should resort to violence to suppress dissent.
In response to the rising political violence, the All Progressives Congress (APC) campaign council also condemned the attacks on political gatherings, calling on security agencies to act decisively against those responsible for such acts. They stressed the importance of maintaining peace during the electoral process.
