*As Obi calls on security forces to protect party supporters

The Lagos State Police Command has confirmed that four persons were injured in an attack on members of the Obidient Movement, the supporters of the Presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, during its pre-rally procession on Saturday in Lagos.

Lagos State Police Command Spokesperson, Benjamin Hundeyin, who confirmed the figures, said that investigations into the attack has commenced.

This is just as Obi has called on the nation’s security forces to protect Nigerians exercising their free rights of assembly and speech, stating that no attempt should be made to shrink the nation’s democratic space further through violence.

According to the Presidential frontrunner: “I call on the security forces nationwide to protect those exercising their fundamental rights of free speech and assembly. Our civic space must not shrink further.”

Hundeyin, who confirmed that four persons were injured, said the attack was regrettable, adding that witnesses were already helping the police with relevant information.

“The Jakande Ward Chairman of the Labour Party commendably reported an attack on his party members at Ilasan Division. Four injured persons have been given medical attention. The Divisional Police Officer, Ilasan, has commenced preliminary investigations while the State Criminal Investigation Department is to fully take over investigations.

“The injured and other witnesses are assisting the Police with relevant information that would aid the apprehension and prosecution of the attackers.

“This attack is reprehensible! It is verifiable that the Command had stationed, since yesterday, patrol vehicles and officers at the Tafawa Balewa Square venue of today’s rally. We had already secured the venue to prevent any breakdown of law and order,” Hundeyin said in a series of tweets on Saturday.