Omoyele Sowore, a vocal critic of the government and former presidential candidate in the 2023 election, was allegedly attacked by thugs during the Lagos City Marathon on Saturday, February 15, 2025. The shocking incident, which reportedly left journalists injured and media equipment damaged, has sparked outrage and calls for an investigation.
According to Sowore, the attack was unprovoked. He claimed that after completing the 10-kilometer race, he and his media crew took seats under a canopy, only to be confronted by a violent group demanding they leave. In a viral video circulating online, chaos erupted as individuals believed to be political thugs stormed the area, forcefully attempting to seize cameras from journalists. One thug was even caught on camera grabbing an aide accompanying Sowore in a bid to confiscate his recording device.
Taking to Twitter, Sowore condemned the attack, alleging that the assailants specifically targeted journalists to delete footage that exposed them. He described the incident as a brazen attempt to suppress free press and intimidate opposition voices.
However, an eyewitness provided a different account of the altercation. A Twitter user, @Letter_to_Jack, alleged that Sowore and his team occupied seats in the VVIP section, which were strictly reserved for Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and other state officials. Despite being asked to vacate the seats, Sowore allegedly refused, leading to rising tensions that eventually escalated into a confrontation. The eyewitness claimed that Sowore’s actions were deliberate and intended to provoke a reaction from security personnel and state officials.
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The Lagos City Marathon is one of Nigeria’s most prestigious sporting events, drawing elite athletes, celebrities, and dignitaries from around the world. The attack at such a high-profile gathering has raised concerns about security at public events and the growing trend of political violence in Nigeria.
As of the time of filing this report, neither the Lagos State Government nor the marathon organizers have issued an official statement regarding the incident. Meanwhile, Sowore’s supporters have taken to social media, demanding justice and calling for an independent investigation into the attack.
This developing story continues to generate heated debates online, with many questioning whether the attack was politically motivated or a case of miscommunication spiraling out of control.
