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A yet-to-be-identified man has been shot dead, while several others sustained injuries following a violent clash during the All Progressives Congress (APC) primaries election in the Ikotun area of Lagos State.

The incident occurred on Saturday at a primary school in the Ile-Iwe area of Egbe, where party members had gathered for the House of Representatives primary election.

According to reports, the exercise had been progressing peacefully before a disagreement broke out among rival supporters at the venue.

The altercation quickly escalated into chaos, forcing many attendees to flee for safety.

Eyewitnesses said gunshots were heard during the commotion, and one individual was struck.

The victim was rushed away from the scene but was later confirmed dead on the way to the hospital.

Several others were reportedly injured in the ensuing panic.

A resident who spoke on condition of anonymity said the situation caused widespread fear, as people ran in different directions, jumped fences, and sought refuge in nearby houses.

Another eyewitness, identified simply as Taofeek, described the scene as confusing, noting that many initially did not understand what was happening until the gunfire began.

Security operatives were subsequently deployed to the area. A police source confirmed that reinforcements, including the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) and Area Commander, responded promptly to restore order.

As of the time of filing this report, authorities have not confirmed any arrests, and the Lagos State Police Command spokesperson, Abimbola Adebisi, could not be reached for comment.

The APC is yet to release an official statement on the incident.

Political violence remains a persistent challenge in Nigeria, particularly during party primaries and elections, often resulting in casualties and disruption of the democratic process.

LUKMAN ABDULMALIK
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