A town hall meeting organised by the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Oregun, Lagos, descended into chaos on Thursday after suspected political thugs, allegedly armed with guns, machetes, axes and cutlasses, stormed the venue, leaving at least four party members injured.
The incident occurred as supporters were preparing for the arrival of the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and his running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, who were scheduled to attend the gathering.
Eyewitnesses said about 50 suspected thugs arrived at the venue in commercial buses and disrupted preparations for the event, triggering panic and a stampede as participants scrambled for safety.
Olamilekan Olayiwola, Ward F Chairman and security coordinator for the event, said party members had arrived at the venue as early as 8am when they noticed several commercial buses parked outside the premises.
According to him, the occupants of the buses began issuing threats before launching the attack.
“The incident happened as supporters were waiting for preparations at the hall to be completed ahead of Peter Obi’s arrival.
“The attack started around 8am. Before it happened, I saw five LT buses parked outside the premises, with their occupants threatening to scatter everything.
“They had guns, cutlasses and axes. They attacked us, forcing some of our members to mobilise the women to defend themselves,” he said.
Olayiwola disclosed that four party members sustained injuries during the confrontation, while several others reportedly lost their mobile phones in the ensuing chaos.
He further alleged that there was no police presence at the venue when the attackers struck, apart from two Department of State Services (DSS) operatives who reportedly fired warning shots into the air to disperse them.
The NDC chieftain called on political leaders and security agencies to strengthen security arrangements at political gatherings and polling units across Lagos State.
He warned that failure to address the situation could result in more serious violence.
Meanwhile, more than 20 armed police officers were sighted at the scene after the incident, while party members remained at the venue awaiting the arrival of Obi and Kwankwaso.
However, the police reportedly said they were not informed about the planned political rally.
The circumstances surrounding the attack and the identity of those responsible were not immediately established.