The Labour Party (LP) in Lagos State has urgently called on the Nigerian Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS) to launch a thorough investigation and bring to justice those responsible for a violent attack on its secretariat in Ikeja. Addressing a press conference in Lagos on Tuesday, the Lagos LP Chairperson, Mrs. Dayo Ekong, revealed that the incident occurred while key party officials were away in Abuja for a National Executive Council (NEC) meeting.
Ekong implored President Bola Tinubu, Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, and the State Security Director to intervene swiftly in this matter. Condemning the attackers as morally bankrupt, she insisted on their investigation, prosecution, and punishment for what she described as a heinous crime. Ekong alleged that the attack was spearheaded by one Rasheed Bamishe, who, accompanied by armed thugs, forcibly entered the party’s Ikeja secretariat.
The perpetrators reportedly used dangerous weapons, charms, and fetish objects to loot and vandalize the offices, making off with significant amounts of money and sensitive documents. Several staff members were physically assaulted and injured during the attack and are currently receiving medical care. Ekong further accused certain influential figures within the Lagos State Labour Party of backing the assault, though she did not name them.
She asserted that the motive was to inflict harm on the party’s leadership and staff. Vowing to pursue justice through legal channels, Ekong affirmed that under her leadership and that of the national chairman, Mr. Julius Abure, all party positions remain filled, following a definitive Supreme Court ruling. The party Secretary, Sam Okpala, echoed the call for the attackers to be punished to deter future violence.
