One Mrs Funke Elizabeth Adedigba, who resides at 6 Messiah Close, Obadeyi Ijaye, Ojokoro, Lagos State, has reported threats to her life and those of her family members by suspected political thugs.
Mrs Adedigba, a woman leader in the Ijaye Ojokoro area of Lagos State, said she served as a polling agent for the All Progressives Congress (APC) at Adejare Polling Unit in Ilasa/Oshodi Local Government Area during the March 18, 2023, governorship election.
According to her, on that day, agents and voters were waiting for the arrival of officials from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) when, at about 10:50 a.m., suspected political thugs from a popular opposition party stormed the polling unit armed with cutlasses, knives, guns, and other dangerous weapons.
She said the attackers destroyed canopies, chairs, tables, and carted away ballot boxes, causing pandemonium and forcing residents to flee.
Mrs Adedigba further alleged that her phone was seized by the thugs because it contained video recordings of the incident, which, if leaked, could have damaged the opposition’s chances in the election.
“Ever since then, my life, the life of my husband, Mr Ayodeji John Adedigba, and the lives of my children—Ibukun Mary Adedigba, Esther Damilare Adedigba, and Darasimi Deborah Adedigba—have been under serious threat,” she said.
She also claimed that her grandmother, Madam Modupe Comfort Adesulure, was attacked by the thugs and later died in hospital. Additionally, the political thugs allegedly invaded her residence and destroyed the fence, evidence of which she attached as video proof in her complaint.
The police confirmed receipt of the petition and said an investigation has commenced. Mrs Adedigba and her family were advised to remain cautious and law-abiding while inquiries continue.