Suspected thugs destroy senator’s campaign buses in Ogun state

The protracted crisis within the Ogun State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) worsened yesterday.

Thugs suspected to be loyal to the House of Representatives member representing Remo Federal Constituency, Oladipupo Adebutu, allegedly vandalised the campaign buses of the Buruji Kashamu/Reuben Abati Campaign Organisation.

The suspected thugs were reportedly led by four boys called Eniba, Scorpion, Easy and Biggy.

Kashamu and Adebutu were among dignitaries at the annual thanksgiving service of former Ogun State Governor Gbenga Daniel in Sagamu.

Both Federal lawmakers have been locked in a battle of wits – until recently – over the control of the Ogun State PDP structure and the governorship ticket, which the court rule in favour of Kashamu.

An eyewitness said trouble started when Adebutu spurned Kashamu’s attempts to exchange pleasantries with House of Representatives member at the Tabernacle of His Glory venue of the service.

Adebutu’s surprising attitude was said to have made Kashamu to walk away to greet other dignitaries.

Someone reportedly said Adebutu should respect his superiors, as the senator walked away.

The comment was said to have angered Adebutu, who reportedly pushed the man, who almost fell.

On regaining his balance, the man was said to have rained some blows on Adebutu.

Unable to control his anger, the lawmaker reportedly stormed out of the church auditorium, despite entreaties from Daniel and other guests.

It was learnt that he and a former Chairman of Sagamu Local Government Area, Prince Daisi Akintan, allegedly left the venue in anger and ordered their “men” to attack Kashamu and his supporters.

Suspected thugs brandishing the cudgel, machetes and guns were said to have started attacking people, vandalising vehicles, banners, posters and billboards.

Some gunshots were reportedly fired into the air.

It took the intervention of a combined team of armed policemen, Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Nigeria Vigilance Service (NVS) to restore normalcy.

But by the time the dust settled, five buses belonging to Kashamu/Abati Campaign Organisation had been vandalised.

They were left with smashed and broken screens and smithereens of glass.

The incident was reportedly lodged at the police area command in Sagamu.