Tension gripped Benin City on Tuesday after gunmen attacked the Edo State secretariat of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the residence of the party’s National Leader and former Edo State Governor, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, shortly after key opposition figures visited the state.
The incident occurred minutes after prominent leaders, including former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, formally received former President of the Nigerian Bar Association and Labour Party’s 2024 Edo governorship candidate, Olumide Akpata, into the ADC.
The attack took place at the party’s secretariat on Ogbelaka Street, off Sokponba Road. Eyewitnesses said the gunmen arrived in an unmarked Toyota Sienna bus and on a motorcycle, fired several gunshots, and vandalised property, including chairs, canopies, and banners. Some party members were reportedly injured during the attack.
Peter Obi, reacting to the incident, described it as a dangerous sign for the country’s democracy.
“It is time to speak up. It is time those in government act. They are not going to be there forever. What they allowed to happen in the country today will take its revenge on all of us and the country,” Obi said.
Attack Extends to Oyegun’s Residence
After attacking the secretariat, the gunmen reportedly proceeded to Chief Odigie-Oyegun’s residence on Reservation Road, where more gunshots were fired. Vehicles parked outside the compound were damaged, and the gate was riddled with bullet holes.
A video from the scene showed visible damage to vehicles and the entrance gate.
Speaking at his residence, Obi expressed concern over the development.
“This is a former governor’s house. You can see the bullet holes and damaged vehicles. This shows the level our democracy has reached,” he said.
National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, Yunusa Tanko, alleged that the attackers followed the leaders from the secretariat to Oyegun’s home.
“The leadership of the ADC is under attack in Benin. Armed men trailed us from the secretariat to Chief Oyegun’s residence and opened fire, damaging several vehicles,” he said.
Oyegun Raises Alarm Over Security Failure
Chief Odigie-Oyegun said they had received prior intelligence warning of a possible attack, which forced them to end their meeting earlier than planned.
“We received information from security sources that the venue could be attacked, so we cut short our programme. Shortly after we left, gunmen arrived in several vehicles and started shooting. People were injured,” he said.
He questioned the lack of security response despite the warning.
“There was no proper coordination among security agencies to protect the venue. Armed men were able to attack and leave without resistance. The primary duty of any government is to protect lives and property,” he said.
He also expressed concern over threats allegedly made ahead of Obi’s visit.
“A prominent guest was visiting me when bullets started flying. When did our democracy degenerate to this level?” he asked.
ADC Alleges Political Attack
Edo State Chairman of the ADC, Kennedy Odion, accused members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of being responsible for the attack.
He said the party had received information about a planned disruption and quickly ended its programme.
“Shortly after we left, thugs attacked the secretariat and injured three people. They later came to Chief Oyegun’s residence and destroyed vehicles,” Odion said.
He added that the Commissioner of Police visited the scene and assured the party that investigations would be carried out.
Government, APC Deny Allegations
The Edo State Government denied any involvement, describing the incident as a result of internal disputes within the ADC.
The State Commissioner for Information, Kassim Afegbua, said the party had been experiencing internal conflict.
“The crisis within the ADC has been ongoing. What happened was an escalation of that internal problem,” he said.
He also stated that proper communication with the state government could have improved security arrangements.
Similarly, the Edo State Chairman of the APC, Jarret Tenebe, denied any connection to the attack.
“They should not drag the APC into their internal issues. There is no evidence linking us to the incident,” he said.
However, Senator Rowland Owie dismissed claims of internal crisis, insisting that there was no conflict between him and Chief Oyegun.
“There is no dispute between us. What is happening reflects the growing insecurity in the state,” he said.
Akpata Condemns Incident
Olumide Akpata described the attack as a troubling development for democracy.
“It is sad that opposition activities are being disrupted. Democracy requires tolerance and freedom for opposition parties,” he said.
Police Confirm Incident, Begin Investigation
The Edo State Police Command confirmed the attack, stating that suspected hoodlums disrupted the gathering shortly after it ended.
Police spokesperson, Eno Ikoedem, said security personnel responded to the incident and restored order.
“Some property, including chairs and canopies, was damaged. Security has been reinforced, and investigations are ongoing,” he said.
Security was later strengthened at both the ADC secretariat and Chief Oyegun’s residence, with armed police officers deployed to the locations.
Atiku Condemns Attack
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar condemned the incident, describing it as unacceptable in a democratic society.
He warned against political violence and called for accountability.
“Nigeria must not become a country where political disagreements are resolved through violence,” he said.
The incident has increased political tension in Edo State, with opposition parties raising concerns about safety, while the government maintains that the violence was not politically motivated.
Investigations into the attack are ongoing.
Gunmen Attack ADC Secretariat, Oyegun’s Residence in Benin After Obi, Akpata Visit
