The Lagos State Police Command has commenced an investigation into the attack on supporters of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) during a town hall meeting organised for the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, in Oregun, Lagos State.
The incident, which occurred at Classique Event Place along Kudirat Abiola Way, reportedly left several people injured and vehicles damaged after suspected political thugs invaded the venue.
Politics Nigeria reports that the gathering was organised to receive Obi, who was expected to interact with party members and residents ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The attack has also attracted the attention of the House of Representatives, which has constituted an ad hoc committee to investigate reported cases of political violence, intimidation and disruption of political activities across the country.
The police confirmed that two men sustained serious injuries during the confrontation.
They were identified as Akinyemi Akeem and Ibrahim Babsule and were taken to the Emergency Centre at Toll Gate for medical attention.
The command’s spokesperson, Abimbola Adebisi, disclosed that officers received a distress call reporting an attack on NDC members at the event centre.
She said the situation was brought under control after the intervention of security personnel.
According to her, preliminary information suggested that the two injured men were allegedly among those involved in the incident.
However, their individual roles and the circumstances surrounding their injuries were still being investigated.
Adebisi said the command would ensure that anyone found responsible was brought to justice.
“The Command confirms that it received a distress call, reporting an attack on members of the Nigeria Democratic Congress during their town hall meeting at Classique Event Place, Oregun, Alausa.
“Two male persons, identified as Akinyemi Akeem and Ibrahim Babsule, sustained serious injuries and were rushed to the Emergency Centre, Toll Gate, for medical attention.”
She added that normalcy had been restored in the area, assuring residents that investigations were ongoing.
Meanwhile, the House of Representatives has taken steps to examine the increasing reports of violence associated with political activities in different parts of the country.
The lawmakers constituted the committee after adopting a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by the House Minority Leader, Fred Agbedi, alongside 16 other members.
During Thursday’s plenary, Agbedi condemned attacks on political meetings, rallies and other lawful gatherings.
He maintained that political disagreements should not result in physical violence, intimidation or destruction of property.
The lawmaker warned that failure to address the situation could create serious problems for the country as the 2027 general elections approach.
He argued that citizens must be allowed to participate in political activities without fear of being attacked because of their political affiliations or support for particular candidates.
Agbedi also referred to Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees citizens the right to assemble freely and associate with others, including the right to form or belong to political parties.
He further cited Section 88(1) of the Constitution, calling on the National Assembly to investigate the circumstances surrounding reported political attacks and examine the responsibilities of relevant public institutions.
The minority leader referenced several incidents across the country to support his argument.
These included the disruption of political meetings in Enugu State on September 12, which reportedly left two people injured and another person dead.
He also mentioned the October 28 attack on APC supporters in Katsina State, following which 14 suspects were arrested.
Another incident cited was the November 4 attack on an APC rally in Lafia, Nasarawa State, where several people reportedly sustained injuries.
He further recalled a violent confrontation during a political procession in Asaba, Delta State, on November 7. The incident reportedly resulted in one death and five injuries.
However, Agbedi cautioned against making premature conclusions about those responsible for the incidents.
He called for independent investigations that would establish the facts and identify individuals involved.
The House subsequently appointed its Leader, Professor Julius Ihonvbere, to head the ad hoc committee.
The committee was given three weeks to investigate the immediate and underlying causes of political violence across the country and submit its findings to the House.
Its membership includes the House Minority Leader, chairmen and deputy chairmen of the Committees on Police Affairs and National Security and Intelligence, as well as two additional lawmakers.
Moreover, following the incident in Lagos, the NDC accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of being behind attacks on its members in Lagos and Delta states.
The party’s National Director of Publicity, Osai Director, described the incidents as an attempt to undermine democratic participation and intimidate opposition members.
He argued that political violence should have no place in a democratic society, particularly as political parties begin preparations for the next general elections.
“Attacks perpetrated against our members in Delta and Lagos states are unfortunate and unwarranted.
“The ruling and ruinous APC is planning to destroy our hard-earned democracy by its desperation and demonic politics of barbarism.”
The Lagos chapter of the NDC also alleged that approximately 200 suspected political thugs invaded the venue during preparations for Obi’s arrival.
The party’s Publicity Secretary, Olushile Akinyemi, claimed that four people sustained injuries while several vehicles and other property were damaged.
Akinyemi further alleged that security operatives, including personnel of the Department of State Services (DSS) and the police, failed to intervene when the attackers arrived.
He expressed disappointment over the alleged response of the security personnel, insisting that their presence at the venue did not prevent the attack.
He said:
“We had security operatives on the ground—we had the DSS and the police—but they all stood down. I don’t know why they did that. They did not take any action. They watched them unleash terror on us and gave excuses afterwards.”
The party also disclosed that one of the suspected attackers was apprehended by its members and subsequently handed over to the police.
Joseph Orukpe, the NDC candidate for Ikeja Federal Constituency, also narrated how the incident unfolded.
According to him, party members were preparing for the town hall meeting when individuals armed with dangerous weapons stormed the event centre.
He said the attackers damaged vehicles and assaulted supporters, forcing members of the party to defend themselves.
“We were on the ground trying to organise the town hall for His Excellency, Mr Peter Obi. While the organisation was going on, several thugs armed with dangerous weapons stormed the venue.
“They started destroying vehicles and attacked our members. We had to stand up to defend ourselves and, in the process, we apprehended one of them.”
Another NDC supporter, who spoke without revealing his identity, alleged that he was injured after one of the attackers broke a bottle on his head.
He claimed that the attackers initially targeted vehicles and other materials at the venue before turning against people gathered for the meeting.
“On our arrival here to wait for our president, the thugs came and started breaking vehicles and materials. They pushed us to the wall. We resisted and said enough was enough. In the process, I got injured because they broke a bottle on my head,” he said.
However, a man identified as Ibrahim, who was reportedly apprehended by NDC supporters, denied participating in the attack.
He told News Central that he had gone to the area because he usually visited places where important personalities gathered.
“Anywhere I see important people gathered, I usually go there. Nobody sent me to come here; I have only come to beg for money.”
Meanwhile, the Lagos State chapter of the APC has denied any involvement in the attack, dismissing allegations that it sponsored the disruption of the NDC gathering.
The party’s Publicity Secretary, Seye Oladejo, said APC members and campaign officials were attending activities in Epe to flag off preparations for the 2027 elections when the incident occurred.
He challenged the NDC to provide evidence connecting the ruling party to the attack and submit such information to the appropriate security agencies.
Oladejo maintained that the APC did not support violence against political opponents or the disruption of lawful political activities.
“We have neither sponsored, encouraged nor participated in any act capable of undermining the constitutional rights of any political party or group to assemble, deliberate and canvass for political support.
“If the NDC has credible evidence linking any individual or group to the incident, the appropriate course is to present such evidence to the relevant security agencies and allow the law to take its course.”
The APC also condemned political violence and called on security agencies to improve intelligence gathering and ensure adequate protection for political gatherings.