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.
Minority Leader of the House, Fred Agbedi
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.
