Tensions flared at a political rally in Mopamuro Local Government Area on Thursday when security operatives discharged tear gas to disperse a crowd following reports that individuals had begun throwing stones at police officers.
The gathering was organised by supporters of the Mopamuro L’okan movement, who are advocating for the area to produce the next representative for the Yagba Federal Constituency. What started as a political assembly reportedly descended into disorder shortly after proceedings began.
According to sources, some individuals believed to be under the influence of alcohol allegedly began pelting security operatives with stones. Police personnel stationed at the venue to maintain order responded by releasing tear gas to disperse the gathering.
One man sustained injuries during the chaos. Sources indicate the victim was not a participant in the rally but was returning from a meeting of local bricklayers when he became caught up in the disturbance.
Witnesses reported that three individuals — identified as Oluwi Sesan, a person popularly called Angel, and Gbenga Agbona — were seen standing on a vehicle displaying branding in support of Yagba Federal Constituency aspirant Pastor Babagbemi Adejola shortly before the situation escalated.
The injured man’s condition later became a subject of controversy after a social media post claimed he had been shot by police. However, some residents disputed this account, insisting the injury resulted from a stone thrown during the confrontation rather than gunfire.
Sources further alleged that videos circulating online following the incident may have contributed to rising tension in the community. According to observers, Pastor Adejola later released videos that some residents claimed contained misleading information about the event.
Community leaders have called for calm and urged residents to refrain from spreading unverified information that could further heighten tensions in the area.
