Pandemonium broke out on Thursday morning at the Classic Event Place in Oregun, Lagos, as supporters of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) fought back against a group of armed thugs who invaded a scheduled townhall meeting.
The attackers, armed with cudgels and cutlasses, stormed the venue where the NDC presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and his running mate, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, were expected to address a large gathering of supporters.
The sudden invasion initially triggered a stampede as terrified attendees scrambled for safety. However, the situation took a dramatic turn when a group of young NDC supporters regained their footing and launched a counter-offensive, using chairs and other available objects to repel the invaders.
Eyewitnesses reported that the supporters, many of whom were dressed in the party’s signature blue shirts and white fez caps, chased the assailants out of the main hall and into the parking lot. One suspected thug was caught by the mob and reportedly beaten with sticks.
“Deal with him!” an unidentified voice was heard shouting in a video of the incident, as the crowd surrounded the suspect near the car park.
The confrontation eventually spilled over onto the busy Kudirat Abiola Way, causing significant traffic disruption. The arrival of security personnel brought a semblance of order, as police officers fired warning shots into the air to disperse the agitated mob and clear the roadway.
As of the time of filing this report, neither Peter Obi nor Senator Kwankwaso had arrived at the venue.
Security has since been beefed up around the perimeter of the event center, though the atmosphere remains tense. Lagos State Police authorities have yet to issue an official statement regarding arrests or the extent of injuries sustained during the melee.
Details to follow…
