Joe Igbokwe Denies Attack at Ladipo Market, Blames Hostility on Politics

Joe Igbokwe Denies Attack at Ladipo Market, Blames Hostility on Politics

A chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Joe Igbokwe, has dismissed reports that he was physically attacked at Ladipo Market in Lagos, insisting that the incident was merely a display of hostility allegedly driven by political differences.

The former Lagos APC publicity secretary made the clarification following widespread reports on social media claiming that he was assaulted during a visit to the popular spare-parts market in the Mushin area of Lagos State.

Speaking on the incident, Igbokwe said no one laid hands on him despite a tense situation that developed after some traders and residents recognized him at the market.

According to him, the crowd’s reaction was likely linked to his political affiliation and his outspoken views on national issues.

“There was no mob attack. Nobody touched my body. It was just that they were making noise and people tried to caution them,” he said.

The APC stalwart suggested that some individuals may have targeted him because of his long-standing association with the ruling party and his public commentary on political matters.

“Maybe politics. Maybe because I am an APC man. Maybe because I don’t like the politics they play. Make friends with major ethnic groups, and that is how you can rule Nigeria, but it is not forthcoming,” he added.

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Igbokwe further lamented that many people often misinterpret his comments and advice, viewing them as hostile even when they are intended to promote understanding and national unity.

“There are things we saw during the first civil war. If you advise them, you will become an enemy. You become a saboteur,” he said.

Recounting how the incident unfolded, Igbokwe explained that he had visited Ladipo Market to purchase a spare part for his vehicle. He said that after buying the item and returning to his vehicle, some people began pointing at him and drawing attention to his presence.

“Some people were pointing fingers at me. Some were saying something. I ignored them and went in search of the part,” he recalled.

“I saw the part and went back to my vehicle to fix it. The people just started gathering and shouting, ‘This is Joe Igbokwe.’ I ignored them. They started coming towards me, so I moved away and went to my friend’s shop.”

According to him, the growing crowd prompted his friend to contact the market leadership, who intervened and helped calm the situation.

“My friend went to call the leadership of the market. After that, I drove away,” he stated.

Igbokwe maintained that while the incident was uncomfortable, reports claiming he was beaten or physically assaulted were false.

“I saw reports on Facebook claiming that I was beaten, but I was not beaten. I pray that it does not happen again,” he said.

When asked whether he believed the confrontation was politically motivated, the APC chieftain answered in the affirmative.

“Yes. They know I have been very vocal in our party, the APC. I was the publicity secretary for many years. We are progressives; we cannot change. I have been consistent in where I stand,” he said.

The incident has since sparked discussions on social media, with supporters condemning the hostility directed at the politician, while others argued that public figures often face strong reactions because of their political positions.

As of the time of filing this report, there was no official statement from security authorities regarding the incident.

Joe Igbokwe Denies Attack at Ladipo Market, Blames Hostility on Politics