The exchange of gunfire in Akute, Ogun State has left residents and business owners in fear, following the clash between supporters of two political parties on Thursday. Eyewitnesses claim that the clash occurred when members of one political party's branded bus broke down near where their opponents were campaigning, and they were asked to leave the area.
The situation quickly escalated, and some suspected political hoodlums allegedly started shooting bullets into the air. Other non-armed thugs reportedly joined in and threw stones and other objects at their opponents. The incident caused pandemonium in the area, as traders and residents around the scene of the clash scampered for safety.
Although the Ogun State Police Command responded to the scene, no arrests have been made yet. However, investigations have commenced to bring those responsible to justice.
In a related development, suspected political thugs allegedly stabbed a supporter of a politician in the Surulere area of Lagos State around 2 pm on Thursday. The victim's condition is not yet known, but the state Public Relations Officer has confirmed that investigations are ongoing, and a get-away tricycle was abandoned by the attackers and has been recovered.
These incidents of violence during political campaigns are becoming worrisome and pose a threat to Nigeria's democracy. The authorities must take urgent steps to curb these incidents and ensure that the forthcoming governorship and state House of Assembly Elections are free and fair.
Credit: Online Punch News
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