Some youths and women at the weekend disrupted an empowerment programme organised by House of Representatives hopeful, Chief Adejoke Mistura Adeyemi, in Oke-Onigbin, Irepodun Local Government Area.

The Guardian Newspaper gathered that the United Kingdom-based philanthropist organised the programme for selected members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) drawn from Isin, Oke-Ero, Ekiti and Irepodun local government areas of Kwara State.

Speaking with journalists, Adeyemi said the empowerment initiative was designed to cushion the effects of the current economic hardship on registered APC beneficiaries. “I appreciate God for all He has done for me. I felt it was necessary to extend this divine gesture to my people,” she said.

According to one of the event organisers, items distributed included 10 cars, a Bajaj motorcycle, bags of rice, 10 chest freezers, 20 grinding machines, 10 hair dryers, four makeup kits, 10 generators and 30 sewing machines.

A beneficiary, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the items had been successfully distributed before “fierce-looking thugs” stormed the venue.

Another source said the programme was almost concluded when the attackers invaded and carted away large quantities of 5kg bags of rice meant for beneficiaries.

Although no casualties were recorded, security sources confirmed that efforts to repel the attackers were unsuccessful. “Our men tried to resist them, but the crowd overpowered the security team, which comprised soldiers, police officers, Civil Defence Corps personnel, Road Safety officials and local hunters,” a source said.

Dignitaries at the event included Hon. Jolayemi Benjamen, Hon. Rasaki Omotosho and Segun Adebayo.

Traditional rulers present were Oba Olómù of Omu Aran, Oba Kalmadeen Salawudeen Onigbin, Oba Omotayo, the Oniwo of Oke Aba, and other prominent personalities.

Adeyemi said she understood the importance of stable income and financial security, adding that the prevailing economic challenges informed the timing of the initiative. She disclosed that 1,500 beneficiaries—comprising 70 per cent women and 30 per cent men—were captured in the programme.