Obi condemns attack on supporters in Lagos

The presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has condemned the attack on his supporters at a Lagos rally on Saturday by suspected hoodlums.

Obi said the civic space must not be shrunk, calling on security agencies to protect the fundamental human rights of citizens.

“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.

“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,” Obi said in a tweet on Saturday.

It was reported that no fewer than four persons were injured in the attack on Obi’s supporters in Lagos.

According to the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, investigations into the attack had commenced.

Hundeyin, who confirmed that four persons were injured, said the attack was regrettable, adding that witnesses were already helping the police with relevant information.

“The Jakande Ward Chairman of the Labour Party commendably reported an attack on his party members at Ilasan Division. Four injured persons have been given medical attention. The Divisional Police Officer, Ilasan, has commenced preliminary investigations while the State Criminal Investigation Department is to fully take over investigations.

“The injured and other witnesses are assisting the Police with relevant information that would aid the apprehension and prosecution of the attackers.

“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,” Hundeyin said in a series of tweets on Saturday.

He said the regrettable attack happened at about 15km away from the rally venue, adding that the SCID would take over investigations towards apprehending and prosecuting the attackers.