The Lagos State government on Saturday said security agencies will find and prosecute the hoodlums who attacked the convoy of Abdul-Azeez Adediran (Jandor), governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the coming 2023 election in the state.
In a statement by Gbenga Omotoso, the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, the government said it was “shocked” by the video of a group of thugs shooting in broad daylight in Surulere.
Three persons were reportedly killed, while others sustained various degree of injuries when supporters of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), and the PDP engaged in violent clash during the Jandor’s political campaign in Surulere area of Lagos State on Friday.
But the Lagos government said the hoodlums are “henchmen of the PDP”.
“Security agencies are investigating the video, which has gone viral on the social media. We believe they will fish out and prosecute the evil actors, who are believed to be henchmen of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
“We condemn this savagery that has portrayed our state, the safest in Nigeria, in a bad light. That is not who we are; we are civilized and cultured.
“Following advice from competent sources, including elders and respectable Lagosians, we will henceforth shun any forum that may require us being together with PDP and its agents of violence.
“Consequently, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu regrets to announce that he will not be participating at The Platform Governorship Debate of January 29, 2023.
“The Governor holds Pastor Poju Oyemade and the Covenant Christian Church family in high esteem and cherishes future opportunities to engage the congregation and render accounts of his stewardship to them as integral parts of the Lagos electorate.
“We will never be found in the company of those to whom the lives of innocent Lagosians mean nothing. Mr Sanwo-Olu won’t share a podium with them,” the statement by Omotoso reads.