The Take It Back (TIB) Movement has vehemently condemned what it characterizes as a calculated and unwarranted assault on its leader, Omoyele Sowore, and accompanying members during the 2024 Access Bank Lagos City Marathon. The incident, which unfolded at the race’s finish line in Eko Atlantic, has sparked outrage and calls for accountability from both the Lagos State Government and the marathon organizers. The TIB alleges the attack was orchestrated by thugs purportedly acting on behalf of the state government, raising concerns about political motivations behind the violence. This incident tarnishes the image of a prominent sporting event and raises serious questions about the safety and security of participants, particularly those who may hold dissenting political views.
According to the TIB’s official statement, Sowore and his team, having completed the 10km race, were gathered at the designated participant tents engaging with members of the press, including a reporter from Daily Trust. They were approached by individuals claiming the area was reserved for “government dignitaries” and demanding they vacate the premises. Sowore contested this directive, questioning the prioritization of non-participants over those who had actively engaged in the marathon. While a team member assured the coordinators of their imminent departure, the situation quickly escalated. Approximately ten minutes later, a group described as thugs descended upon Sowore, his team, and the accompanying media personnel, unleashing a barrage of physical assaults and harassment.
The TIB’s account paints a disturbing picture of targeted violence. Not only were Sowore and his team members physically attacked, but the media crew present were also subjected to harassment and intimidation. The attackers specifically targeted media equipment, forcefully seizing a camera belonging to a journalist identified as Happiness. This act, according to the TIB, was a deliberate attempt to erase any visual documentation of the assault. The TIB statement underscores the gravity of this incident by highlighting the theft of the camera and the potential loss of crucial evidence. The forceful confiscation of the camera raises concerns about attempts to suppress journalistic freedom and obscure the truth surrounding the attack.
The TIB’s response has been swift and resolute. They have issued a public condemnation of the attack and demanded immediate action from both the Lagos State Government and the organizers of the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon. Their demands include the immediate return of the confiscated camera and its footage, as well as a public apology acknowledging the organizers’ complicity in what they describe as a politically motivated act of aggression. The TIB’s insistence on a public apology emphasizes the need for transparency and accountability. They assert that this attack was not simply an isolated incident of violence, but rather a calculated attempt to suppress dissent and intimidate those who hold opposing political views. Furthermore, TIB underscored that this not being Sowore’s first participation marking at least his fourth appearance in the Lagos City Marathon, further casting doubt on any justifiable claim of protocol breach.
The timing and location of the attack raise significant questions about the role of the Lagos State Government and the marathon organizers. The fact that the alleged assailants claimed the area was reserved for “government dignitaries” suggests a level of official sanction or at least complicity in the incident. The TIB’s contention that the attack was politically motivated underscores the need for a thorough and impartial investigation into the circumstances surrounding the event. The silence from both the Lagos State government and marathon organizers only fuels suspicions and reinforces the need for transparency.
This incident casts a shadow over the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon, a prominent event that attracts a diverse range of participants, from elite athletes to casual runners and government officials. The attack on Sowore and his team highlights the vulnerability of individuals who express dissenting political views, even within the context of a supposedly neutral sporting event. It raises broader concerns about freedom of expression and the potential for violence against political opponents in Nigeria. The TIB’s condemnation of the attack serves as a call for justice and accountability, urging authorities to take decisive action to address the violence and ensure the safety and security of all participants in future events. The lack of response from the authorities underscores the urgency of this call for action and the need to protect fundamental freedoms in Nigeria.
