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By Lukmon Adediran
Fury erupted yesterday when street urchins allegedly on the orders of a chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) tried to stop some youths – who now go by the name Obidients – mobilising for the Labour Party (LP) in Idimu, Alimosho Local Government Area of Lagos State.
According to an account, the suspected APC supporters allegedly attacked the Obidients while the latter were having a meeting in the area, as part of the mobilisation for the forthcoming elections next year.
A source who pleaded anonymity told our correspondent that some of the Obidient youths were wounded as their assailants belched out threats, warning them to flee the area.
“I saw the APC tugs on the rampage; they freely used broken bottles, big sticks and cudgels as they chased their percieved opponents down the street,” our source said, adding that “some of the victims might have ended up with injuries.”
Another source who also pleaded not to be mentioned, said he identified some members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) which has now transmuted to Lagos State Parks and Gardens under the leadership of MC Oluomo during the melee in action.
“They were threatening to deal with anyone who would challenge APC in the area.
“The hoodlums were yelling ‘wey them!’ ‘Wey them!’ (Where are they! Where are they!), apparently in search of their victims.
“I saw one of the lads smashing the windshield of a vehicle parked on the street; it probably belonged to a know opponent.
“The rampaging tugs were insistent that anyone who wanted to work against the APC in the area had better gone elsewhere as they would not be allowed to operate without consequences.”
Asked if he knew some of the victims, he said: “Here in Idimu, some youth activists like Hassan Olalekan, Jimo Olajide, Odediran Oluwafunmilola Omolara, which they said was their soft target for being the head of the Obidient Bumi Okedeji are known. They are growing in their activism and hunger for a new order which they said the Obidient Movement represents.
“From time to time, those youths go from door to door speaking about change and the need to shun tribal and religious sentiments and vote for the right person who would usher the change the society requires.
“Indeed, some people are beginning to love their ways.
“Perhaps, some individuals who are unhappy with their activism feel they are already gaining traction.”
One of the youths, Okedeji, who spoke to our correspondent from his hideout in the neighbourhood, claimed that the he and the duo of Olalekan and Omolara, were being hunted for assault because they live close to suspected APC attack dogs.
“Our lives are unsafe,” he breathed out. “We are being targeted for what they term our ‘audacity.’ Our best option therefore was to flee,” he added.
When contacted, the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Lagos State Police Command, Benjamin Hundeyin said: “I have heard about some skirmishes involving some youths in Alimosho area, but I’m yet to reach the officer in charge of Idimu Division for details.”
