OBIDATTI23 LAGOS RALLY: POLITICAL THUGS REPORTEDLY ATTACK LP SUPPORTERS ON THEIR WAY TO TBS
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By Aishat Momoh. O.
On Saturday, some of Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi’s supporters were allegedly attacked by political thugs on their way to Tafawa Balewa Square, ahead of the “Obidatti23” Lagos rally.
The victims said that political thugs from a significant party in Lagos beat them up with machetes and other sharp instruments, bruising their bodies.
The miscreants, according to the victims, damaged the vehicles used to convey the Labour Party members to the event at TBS.
Videos that were shared on social media showed some injured “Obidients” lying on the ground while others were getting medical attention at the TBS campaign site.
Peter Obi repeatedly denounced the violent attack on his followers and urged that security personnel defend their basic right to congregate in public without fear of reprisal.
“As we go into the final stretch for the 2023 elections, I call on all Nigerians regardless of political affiliation or tendency, to eschew violence. I condemn any form of violence and political thuggery; and especially the incessant attacks on my Obidient supporters,” Mr Obi tweeted.
“I call on the security forces nationwide to protect those exercising their fundamental rights of free speech and assembly. Our civic space must not shrink further. -PO.”
However, Benjamin Hundeyin, a spokesman for the Lagos police command, stated that officers are still looking for the criminals responsible for the attack on Labor Party supporters.
He continued by saying that the victims and other witnesses are giving the police information that would help with their investigation and prosecution.
“Jakande Ward Chairman of Labour Party commendably reported an attack on his party members at Ilasan Division. Four injured persons have been given medical attention. DPO Ilasan has commenced preliminary investigations while SCID is to fully take over investigations,” Mr Hundeyin said.
“The injured and other witnesses are assisting the Police with relevant information that would aid the apprehension and prosecution of the attackers.”
Mr Hundeyin noted that police officers were on patrol to prevent any breakdown of law at the venue but the incident happened distance away from were police were stationed.
“This attack is reprehensible! It is verifiable that the Command had stationed, since yesterday, patrol vehicles and officers at the Tafawa Balewa Square venue of today’s rally. We had already secured the venue to prevent any breakdown of law and order,” the police spokesperson said.
“The regrettable attack happened at about 15km away from the rally venue. As earlier stated, the SCID will take over investigations towards apprehending and prosecuting the attackers.”
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