A free medical outreach organised by Dr. Islamiyat Oluwatoyin Abdulkadir, the Social Democratic Party (SDP) candidate for the Ibadan North Federal Constituency bye-election, was violently disrupted on Monday by more than 100 suspected thugs.

Eyewitnesses reported that the hoodlums invaded the outreach venue at Saabo Market, opposite the King’s Palace, where medical personnel were providing healthcare services to residents.

The attackers allegedly destroyed medical supplies, scattered drugs, and assaulted health workers, party supporters, and some SDP executives present at the event.

The outreach, which had drawn a large turnout of both young and elderly residents from across Ibadan North, was part of Dr. Abdulkadir’s community support programme aimed at offering free healthcare.

The sudden attack caused panic, forcing many to flee for safety.

Community sources speculated that the incident may have been politically motivated, with the attackers allegedly linked to hoodlums loyal to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in an attempt to intimidate the SDP candidate ahead of the polls.

As of press time, no arrests had been confirmed.

Despite the disruption, SDP supporters have vowed to press on with Dr. Abdulkadir’s campaign.

They called on security agencies to thoroughly investigate the incident and bring those responsible to justice.

Meanawhile, Dr. Abdulkadir, has condemned in strong terms the violent attack on her free medical outreach programme, describing the incident as both a personal attack on her campaign and “a shameful assault” on the people of Ibadan North.

Dr. Abdulkadir expressed concern that “in this modern day, political desperation can lead to such inhumane acts targeted at depriving people of basic healthcare.”

The SDP candidate called on the Nigerian Police Force and other relevant security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation, apprehend those responsible, and ensure justice is served.

Despite the incident, Dr. Abdulkadir vowed her campaign would not be derailed by threats or violence.

“No amount of political bullying will stop my message of hope, good governance, and people-centred development,” she said, pledging to continue serving Ibadan North with “integrity, compassion, and dedication.”