Tensions flared at the Edo State Secretariat of the Labour Party on Monday as party executives clashed with suspected thugs during a protest over the suspension of the factional National Chairman, Julius Abure.
The conflict began after the Labour Party in Edo State suspended Abure from his Ward 3 in Arue-Uromi, located in Esan North-East Local Government Area, accusing him of anti-party activities.
The suspension was formalized in a letter dated May 14, 2024, signed by Ward Chairman Thompson Ehiguese and Ward Secretary Stanley Usiomoh.
This suspension was later ratified during a state executive committee meeting in Benin on Friday night.
Despite the suspension, Abure continued to hold his position, leading to discontent among party members.
On Monday, demonstrators arrived at the national secretariat to protest Abure’s continued tenure.
However, their demonstration was interrupted by about 20 suspected thugs who attacked the protesters as they exited their vehicles, forcing them to flee into nearby streets.
Journalists covering the protest also found themselves under attack.
The situation escalated to the point where reporters had to seek refuge at the secretariat of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Utako.
The attackers made several attempts to breach the NUJ building, adding to the chaos of the situation.
Calm was eventually restored after the intervention of security operatives who appealed for peace on both sides.
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