How thugs invaded NDC townhall venue in Lagos

There was pandemonium on Thursday when suspected thugs invaded the venue of a townhall meeting organised by the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Oregun, Lagos, triggering a confrontation with party supporters.

The attackers, armed with cudgels and cutlasses, reportedly stormed Classic Event Place, the venue of the meeting where Peter Obi, the party’s presidential candidate, was expected to address supporters.

Their sudden arrival caused panic as some participants scampered for safety, while others attempted to resist the attackers by throwing plastic chairs at them.

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However, the NDC supporters, many of whom were dressed in blue shirts and white fez caps, later regrouped and chased the suspected thugs out of the hall.

One of the suspected attackers was reportedly caught at the car park, where some supporters surrounded and assaulted him with sticks.

A voice could be heard urging the crowd to deal with the man as several people descended on him.

The confrontation subsequently spilled onto Kudirat Abiola Way, a major road in the Oregun area, disrupting movement in the vicinity.

Policemen were seen firing shots into the air in an attempt to disperse the crowd and restore order.

As of the time of filing this report, Obi and his running mate, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, had yet to arrive at the venue.

The circumstances surrounding the invasion, including the identities of the suspected attackers and their motives, were not immediately clear.

There was also no immediate official statement from the police on the incident.

Details later.