There was pandemonium in Oregun, Lagos, on Thursday after suspected thugs armed with cutlasses and cudgels invaded a town hall meeting of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), prompting a fierce resistance from party supporters.
The suspected attackers stormed Classic Event Place, the venue of the gathering, where the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, was expected to address supporters alongside his running mate, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso.
Their sudden entry triggered panic, forcing some people inside the hall to scamper for safety. However, some supporters soon rallied against the intruders, reportedly throwing chairs at them in an attempt to repel the attack.
The confrontation escalated as NDC supporters dressed in blue shirts and white fez caps chased the suspected thugs out of the hall. One of the alleged attackers was reportedly caught at the car park and surrounded by an angry crowd.
“Deal with him,” a voice was heard shouting in the background as some young men allegedly descended on the suspect, hitting him with sticks.
The unrest later spilled onto Kudirat Abiola Way, a major road in the area, as the agitated crowd moved out of the event venue.
Police officers reportedly fired shots into the air to disperse the crowd and restore order.
As of the time of filing this report, neither Obi nor Kwankwaso had arrived at the venue.
The identities of the suspected attackers and the motive behind the invasion were not immediately known.
