Thugs invade NDC meeting in Lagos, attendees flee

Suspected political thugs have disrupted a town hall meeting organised by the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Lagos, forcing participants to flee as attackers wielding sticks and other objects invaded the venue.

The incident occurred in the Oregun area of the state, with footage shared on Thursday showing people scrambling for safety as the disturbance spread through the hall.

The video showed individuals carrying sticks and other objects storming the venue, while attendees pushed towards the exit. Chairs and other furniture were overturned in the confusion, and some participants were seen holding blue flags associated with the party.

The violence later spilled into the adjoining compound, where people ran in different directions around parked vehicles, including a white minibus.

Some individuals were also seen chasing others with sticks as groups dispersed along nearby roads.

The identities of the attackers and their affiliations had yet to be established as of the time of filing this report.

The attack adds to a series of disruptions involving political activities linked to the NDC and its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, ahead of the 2027 general elections.

On November 4, Obi’s convoy was attacked near Watt Market in Calabar, Cross River State, while he was travelling to the party’s presidential town hall meeting.

Suspected political thugs reportedly threw stones, bottles and other dangerous objects at vehicles and supporters. One suspect was arrested in connection with the incident.

Recounting the experience at the town hall meeting, Obi said his security team advised him to take another route after the attackers allegedly armed themselves with machetes.

“They were throwing stones, and I saw people running back. And my security people said we should find another way because they have machetes and other things,” he said.

Earlier, on September 18, suspected thugs reportedly disrupted a rally involving supporters of Obi and his running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, in Warri, Delta State.

Obi’s media aide, Esther Umoh, alleged in a post on X that politically sponsored attackers targeted members of the campaign group, including the entourage of the NDC governorship candidate in the state.

On September 12, armed hoodlums reportedly invaded an NDC ward meeting in Obuoffia, Nkanu West Local Government Area of Enugu State, firing sporadically and injuring participants.

The Enugu State Police Command subsequently ordered an investigation into the attack and a separate disruption of a Peoples Democratic Party rally in Agbani.

The police spokesperson, Daniel Ndukwe, said the Commissioner of Police, Mamman Giwa, had directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department to “thoroughly investigate” the incidents and ensure that those responsible were brought to book.

The NDC later identified eight victims of the attack. Police investigations also led to the arrest of a traditional ruler, Obiora Igwesi, a former lawmaker and others over their alleged involvement in the violence.

However, the police also arraigned a man, Ani Samuel Chidi, who recorded and circulated footage of the Enugu attack. He was accused of publishing a false statement alleging that another individual participated in the violence.

The development attracted criticism from the Enugu State chapter of the NDC, which accused the police of targeting a witness who had recorded evidence of the attack.

In another incident, Obi’s planned visit to Yelwata, Benue State, on September 8 was obstructed after youths blocked his convoy. He had intended to meet families of victims of the June 2025 massacre.

Obi accused suspected hired thugs of preventing him from reaching the community, describing the trip as a humanitarian mission.

The Benue State Government denied involvement, while the police said officers had provided security for the movement and were investigating the circumstances surrounding the blockade.