Sanwo-Olu's assistant injured, admitted to hospital following violent clash at reconciliation gathering

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Akinyemi Bankole Ajigbotafe

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.As monarchs storm secretariat

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By Olasunkanmi Akoni

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A truce meeting by the All Progressives Congress, APC, Alimosho Local Government Area over the House of Representatives primaries in Lagos has turned violent after suspected political thugs allegedly attacked and inflicted machete injuries on Lagos State Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Akinyemi Bankole Ajigbotafe.

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Ajigbotafe, popularly known in political circles as “AB Ajigbotafe,” who sustained deep injuries was quickly rushed to hospital for treatment.

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It was gathered that the commissioner was attacked during a tension soaked APC stakeholders’ meeting convened to resolve the controversial result from the party’s House of Representatives primary election in Lagos West.

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According to sources, the violence started when the supporters of former Mosan-Okunola Local Council Development Area, LCDA chairman, Olabisi Adebajo, popularly known as ABISCO, and incumbent lawmaker, Ganiyu Ayuba clashed.

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In the ensuing melee, armed thugs allegedly stormed the venue with guns and dangerous weapons, triggering panic and sporadic gunshots, sending people into different directions.

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Party insiders claimed Ajigbotafe was supporting a rival political camps, a development that led into hostilities ahead of the primaries on Monday.

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According to eyewitness, “The assassination attempt on the Honourable Commissioner was unsuccessful; however, he sustained serious injuries. His vehicle was damaged and security personnel were severely wounded.”

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Meanwhile, the development has thrown the Lagos APC into turmoil, especially in Alimosho, one of the party’s strongest political strongholds in the state.

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A concerned party member and Certified Protection Officer, Debo Awosheye, in a strongly worded statement addressed to APC leaders in Alimosho, described the attack as “dangerous and disgraceful.”

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He continued: “These incidents are unacceptable and capable of damaging the unity, reputation, and democratic values of our party.

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“No political ambition or disagreement should ever justify violence, intimidation, harassment, or threats against party members.”

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Awosheye warned that if urgent measures were not taken, the crisis could damage the APC’s reputation and chances ahead of future elections.

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Another APC member described the incident as “barbaric” and called for urgent intervention by party leaders.

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However, some leading monarchs in Alimosho on Tuesday visited the chairman of the state party, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, at the party secretariat on the need to ensure that peace continue to reign supreme in the area.

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