Political activist, community organiser and grassroots mobiliser, Dobiza Dobiza, was reportedly attacked by a group of men in Gwagwalada, Abuja, on Monday night, with his mobile phone snatched during the incident.
Chronicles Reporters gathered that the incident occurred at about 8:05 p.m. at Skengy Plaza, located around the Area Council road opposite Season 7 Restaurant, where Dobiza and others had reportedly gathered to celebrate the birthday of Jibrin Wumi.
According to accounts obtained by Chronicles Reporters, about seven men allegedly approached the area, with two of them moving close to Dobiza while he was seated at a table.
The men allegedly picked up his phone from the table without his immediate knowledge.
Sources said that when Dobiza attempted to stand up and question what was happening, one of the men allegedly pulled out a cutlass and attempted to strike him around the head.
Dobiza reportedly managed to dodge the attack.
The situation allegedly caused panic among those at the venue, as tables and chairs were scattered while people ran for safety.
Witnesses claimed that the attackers were armed with cutlasses and knives and that the remaining members of the group also moved towards Dobiza, allegedly directing their attacks at him.
According to the accounts, another attempt was allegedly made to strike Dobiza around the head with a cutlass, but he again managed to evade the attack.
Sources said the presence of the weapons made it difficult for anyone at the scene to intervene physically, as people reportedly kept their distance while the attackers allegedly continued pursuing Dobiza.
Chronicles Reporters understands that no other person at the gathering was reportedly targeted in the same manner, with the attackers allegedly focusing their aggression on Dobiza.
There are also allegations that a man identified as Kabo may have been involved in orchestrating the attack.
Further allegations have linked the incident to Hon. Danladi Chiya, former Chairman of Kwali Area Council and an APC candidate for the Abuja South Federal Constituency. However, Chronicles Reporters has not independently established that Chiya ordered, sponsored or authorised the alleged attack.
A source who claimed to be close to Danladi Chiya and requested anonymity alleged that tensions may have arisen because Dobiza had stopped promoting Chiya and his House of Representatives ambition on social media.
The source alleged that Chiya became angry over the development and was said to have vowed to deal with Dobiza.
These claims remain allegations and have not been independently verified by Chronicles Reporters. Chiya has not, in the information available to this publication, been established as having directed or sponsored the attack.
Meanwhile, Chronicles Reporters also received information about a separate alleged attack involving a man identified as Wakiss.
According to sources, Wakiss was allegedly attacked by four armed men, with the same Kabo reportedly among those identified as being involved.
The circumstances surrounding the alleged attack on Wakiss, including its precise location, motive and whether it is connected to the assault on Dobiza, remain unclear.
Chronicles Reporters is calling for a thorough investigation into the incidents and for the relevant security authorities to establish the identities of those involved, determine the circumstances surrounding the alleged attacks and recover any stolen property.
The publication also urges anyone with credible information, photographs, videos or other evidence relating to the incidents to make such material available to investigators.
All allegations contained in this report remain subject to investigation and verification, and no individual mentioned should be presumed guilty unless established by competent authorities or a court of law.