By Matthew Don with agency report
The All Progressive Congress (APC) governorship campaign in Lagos state on Tuesday was marred by violence.
Supporters were feared killed and bedlam that put the state on halt from morning till late evening on Tuesday were the hallmark of the inaugural governorship campaign.
Security agencies had hectic time controlling unruly party members and aggrieved Lagosians who wanted to use the opportunity to vent their anger over the hardship they have experienced in the past three and eight months of the APC-led government.
The violence was also believed to be a fall out of the refusal of the APC national, leader, Bola Tinubu, to allow the incumbent Governor Akinwunmi Ambode to serve another term.
Two persons were feared killed during the process, but the authorities did not confirm it by press time.
MC Olu Omo was reportedly stabbed severely.
The flag-off of the campaign in Lagos on Tuesday consequently ended abruptly as violence broke out mid-way into the well-attended programme.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that hoodlums suspected to be members of the National Union Road Transport Workers invaded the Skypower Ground Ikeja venue with guns, daggers and other dangerous weapons, and engaged one another in a bloody factional fight.
The situation sent panic across the campaign ground as party members ran in different directions to avoid being hit by bullets being fired.
Security operatives had a hectic time controlling the situation.
Governor Ambode, who was making a speech, had to leave the stage abruptly and was escorted out of the venue with his deputy, Mrs. Idiat Adebule, the APC governorship candidate, Babajide Sanwoolu, and other prominent members of the party.
Several people were injured in the violence, including two journalists who sustained bullet wounds.
NAN correspondent who was at the venue could not ascertain if there was any loss of life as of the time of filing this report.
In the ensuing confusion, many people were dispossessed of their phones, money and other valuables by opportunistic pick-pockets and other criminals.
NAN reports that a large number of party faithful were seen trekking to their various homes as there was a heavy vehicular traffic in the area because of the violence.
.NAN
