‘They Had Guns, Cutlasses, Axes’ – NDC Chieftain Recounts Lagos Attack

A ward chairman of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Lagos State, Olamilekan Olayiwola, has recounted how suspected political thugs invaded a party gathering in Oregun, Lagos, attacking members with guns, cutlasses, axes and other dangerous weapons.

Olayiwola, who is the Ward F Chairman and security coordinator for the event, said about 50 suspected thugs stormed the premises on Thursday morning while party members were making preparations ahead of the scheduled arrival of the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and his running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso.

According to accounts from party supporters, the invasion triggered a stampede as participants fled in different directions to escape the attackers.

Recounting how the incident unfolded, Olayiwola said party members had started arriving at the venue as early as 8 a.m. when they noticed five commercial buses, reportedly LT buses, parked outside the premises.

He alleged that occupants of the buses were making threats before eventually launching the attack on those gathered at the venue.

“The incident happened as supporters were waiting for preparations at the hall to be completed ahead of Peter Obi’s arrival.

“The attack started around 8 a.m. Before it happened, I saw five LT buses parked outside the premises, with their occupants threatening to scatter everything.

“They had guns, cutlasses and axes. They attacked us, forcing some of our members to mobilise the women to defend themselves,” he said.

The party official disclosed that four members sustained injuries during the confrontation, while several others reportedly lost their mobile phones in the chaos.

He also raised concerns over the security arrangements at the venue, claiming that there was no police presence when the attackers struck, apart from two operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS).

According to him, the DSS operatives fired warning shots into the air in an attempt to disperse the attackers.

Olayiwola called on political leaders and security agencies to strengthen security arrangements at political gatherings and polling units across Lagos State to prevent further attacks.

He warned that failure to address the situation could lead to more serious violence.

“If nothing is done, the situation could turn bloody,” he cautioned.