There were gunshots and stabbing at the venue of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) 2019 governorship campaign, which flagged off in Lagos, on Tuesday, causing attendees and party faithful to scamper in different directions for safety.
It could not be immediately ascertained those responsible for bloody action and whether any arrest had been made, as Chike Oti, spokesperson of the Lagos State police command, did not take his calls or respond to a text sent to his cell phone.
The campaign was held at the Sky Power Ground, Oba Akinjobi Road, Ikeja GRA, Lagos.
Everything was going on well when suddenly a gunshot was heard near the podium where popular Yoruba artiste, Wasiu Ayinde Anifowoshe, popularly known as ‘K1 De Ultimate’ was performing and thrilling the audience.
Musiliu Akinsanya, chairman, National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Oshodi branch, also known as ‘MC Oluomo’ was said to have been stabbed in the pandemonium that broke out at the campaign ground.
Sources said there was a skirmish between supporters of MC Oluomo and other transport unions, as series of gunshots rent the air.
Outgoing Governor Akinwunmi Ambode was addressing the crowd when the first gunshot was heard, throwing the mammoth crow into panic.
Ambode was said to have told the crowd that the police were in control of the situation, but things got worse as series of gunshots were heard.
The campaign was cut shot, as Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the governorship candidate of the party in the 2019 elections, could not fully address the crowd as expected. Sanwo-Olu was left with no option but to rush through the vote of thanks, as attendees and party started leaving the venue in droves.
Policemen drafted to the venue were seen in frantic effort to engage the hoodlums in gun battle as people ran helter and skelter to for their lives.
In the milieu, several people were injured.
Journalists covering the event also fled the scene to avoid being caught in the bloody clash.
Officers of the Lagos State Ambulance Services (LASAMBUS) were said to have later conveyed injured persons to the hospital, including MC Oluomo.
JOSHUA BASSEY
