NEWS
Tension in Lagos as APC Chieftain Joe Igbokwe Escapes Mob Attack at Ladipo Market
A tense drama unfolded at the popular Ladipo Auto Spare Parts Market in Lagos State on Friday after a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Joe Igbokwe, narrowly escaped what appeared to be a mob attack by angry youths within the bustling commercial hub.
The incident, which quickly sparked conversations across social media, was later addressed by Igbokwe himself in a video posted on his official Facebook page on Saturday, where he dismissed reports claiming he was physically assaulted.
According to the APC stalwart, the confrontation began shortly after he arrived at the market to purchase spare parts for his vehicle. What started as a routine visit reportedly turned chaotic after some youths identified him and began shouting his name, drawing attention from others within the market.
As tension escalated, the crowd allegedly grew more aggressive, forcing Igbokwe to seek refuge in a nearby shop belonging to a friend while efforts were made to calm the situation.
Narrating the experience, Igbokwe said:
“Yesterday, I went to Ladipo Market to get some spare parts for my vehicle. When I went looking for the parts, some people started calling my name, pointing fingers at me. I ignored them and went in search of what I wanted to get.
“I got the parts and I went to my vehicle to fix it, before I knew it, the Ladipo boys started gathering, they were shouting, “this is the Igbokwe, this is the Igbokwe, so you can come this market”?
“I initially ignored them but they started coming and coming, so I moved away to my friend’s shop. My friend gathered the leadership of the market,, and then when I came out, people gathered and started saying all manner of thinga s but I didn’t say anything, I just drove away.
“I came to Facebook this morning and saw a post that Joe Igbokwe was beaten. I was not beaten. This is me. There are things you cannot do here, you can go to the Southeast and be doing all the rubbish you have been doing there but not in Lagos.
“I pray that it doesn’t happen again. I know what to do”.
The incident has since generated mixed reactions online, with supporters and critics debating the circumstances surrounding the confrontation and the growing tension in political discussions across social spaces in Lagos and beyond.
Ladipo Market, widely regarded as one of the largest auto spare parts markets in Nigeria, is known for its heavy commercial activity and attracts thousands of traders and customers daily. The development has also raised concerns about the safety of public figures and the increasing hostility linked to political sentiments in public places.
As of the time of filing this report, there has been no official statement from the Lagos State Police Command regarding the incident.