‘City Boys Ran as Village Boys Took Over’ — Dino Melaye Reacts to Owerri Event Drama

A political empowerment programme organised by the City Boys Movement in Owerri, Imo State, ended in confusion on Saturday after a large crowd surged into the venue and carted away items meant for distribution.

The development quickly attracted reactions online, including a sharp comment from former Kogi West Senator, Dino Melaye.

The programme, which was designed to empower youths and small business owners, reportedly drew a huge number of participants.

However, the situation changed when the crowd suddenly rushed the distribution area, leading to a scramble for the items that had been arranged for beneficiaries.

Videos that later surfaced on social media showed dozens of young people pushing toward the distribution point as the programme struggled to continue.

In the footage, people could be seen grabbing various items while organisers and security personnel attempted to restore order.

Eyewitnesses said the crowd became difficult to control as many attendees feared they might miss out on the empowerment materials. The rush created panic at the venue, forcing some organisers and participants to step away from the immediate area.

Reacting to the incident, Dino Melaye shared his thoughts on the situation through his X account, formerly known as Twitter.

The outspoken politician criticised what happened during the event and used the moment to make a pointed remark about those involved.

“The village boys invaded the programme and took what rightfully belonged to them, leaving the City Boys on the run,” Melaye wrote.

The City Boys Movement is widely known as a political support group aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. In recent months, the group has organised several empowerment programmes across different parts of the country, distributing items such as vehicles, sewing machines, and other tools meant to support small businesses and youth entrepreneurship.

Saturday’s event in Owerri was expected to follow a similar pattern. Many residents reportedly turned up early in anticipation of receiving one of the empowerment items.

However, sources at the venue said the crowd soon overwhelmed the arrangement put in place by organisers.

Although security personnel were present, witnesses claimed the number of attendees far exceeded expectations.