The circumstance surrounding last Tuesday’s attack on the Edo State secretariat of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), shortly after the party formally received the 2024 Labour Party (LP) governorship candidate, Mr. Olumide Akpata, remain unclear.
The violence extended to the residence of the National Leader of the ADC, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, where he was hosting Akpata and other prominent figures, including the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Mr. Peter Obi.
The incident occurred barely 24 hours after tension had reportedly flared at Odigie-Oyegun’s residence. Some members of the ADC alleged they were denied access to a meeting of party leaders, allegedly on the directive of Odigie-Oyegun. Those said to have been shut out included former Chief Whip of the Senate, Sir Rowland Owie; a major financier of the party in the state, Sunny Aguebor; party leader Douglas Iyike; and others.
The disagreement created tension in the area, prompting the State Commissioner of Police to deploy officers to prevent a breakdown of law and order. The police reportedly engaged the aggrieved leaders and their supporters, persuading them to vacate the premises.
Four days after the attack, the police confirmed that no arrests had been made.
Conflicting Allegations
The attacks have generated differing interpretations. Some political observers allege that the violence may have been orchestrated by aggrieved members within the ADC, an allegation strongly denied by those accused, including Owie. Others suggest that the attack could have been politically motivated by external interests.
Supporters of the latter claim referenced an earlier statement attributed to Governor Monday Okpebholo, in which he reportedly said that Peter Obi would need to notify the state government before visiting to guarantee his safety.
On the day of the incident, Obi had visited a Catholic Church-run nursing school in Benin City, where he made a financial donation. He later proceeded to the ADC secretariat, where Akpata was formally received into the party.
Shortly after the event concluded, suspected thugs reportedly stormed the secretariat, vandalising property and destroying several items. The attackers later moved to Odigie-Oyegun’s residence, where they damaged about five vehicles parked outside the gate, smashing windscreens and shooting at tyres.
Videos of the attacks circulated widely on social media, fuelling allegations that the assailants operated with unusual boldness, reportedly arriving in an unmarked bus and on a motorbike.
Government, APC Deny Involvement
The Edo State Government has firmly denied any involvement in the attacks.
The Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Prince Kassim Afegbua, said neither the All Progressives Congress (APC) nor the state government could be held responsible. He attributed the incident to internal divisions within the ADC, particularly the dispute that occurred at Odigie-Oyegun’s residence the previous day.
Afegbua also stated that Governor Okpebholo and other government officials were in Abuja attending a conference at the time of the attack. He added that the governor had directed the Commissioner of Police to apprehend those responsible.
Similarly, the Edo State Chairman of the APC, Emperor Jarret Tenebe, dismissed allegations linking his party to the violence, describing the development as a factional dispute within the ADC.
Governor Okpebholo, in a statement he personally signed, described the incident as an internal party crisis that escalated beyond control. While expressing sympathy for affected ADC members, he condemned what he termed the importation of thugs and miscreants under the guise of party politics.
He stated that, as Chief Security Officer of the state, he would not allow Edo to become a theatre of conflict due to political rivalry. According to him, the motive behind the attack might be to discredit Edo State and undermine its reputation as one of the most peaceful states in the country.
The governor maintained that politics should focus on performance and public engagement rather than violence. He warned that no amount of political blackmail would derail his administration or intimidate his party, which he described as open to healthy opposition.
He urged residents to remain calm and called on security agencies to closely monitor political gatherings that could degenerate into violence.
Oyegun Expresses Doubt
Odigie-Oyegun expressed scepticism about whether those responsible would be apprehended, citing the manner in which the attackers operated in broad daylight.
He disclosed that while still at the ADC secretariat, they received intelligence indicating a possible attack and were advised to conclude their event early.
According to him, shortly after they departed for his residence, news reached them that the secretariat had been attacked.
He said the warning likely prevented a more serious incident, noting that the situation could have turned catastrophic had they remained at the venue.
Owie Denies Involvement
Sir Rowland Owie has denied any connection to the attacks, insisting that throughout his political career, he has never been associated with violence.
He described allegations linking him to the incident as false and an attempt to tarnish his decades-long political record.
Police Investigation Ongoing
The Edo State Police Command confirmed that investigations have commenced. Police Public Relations Officer, Eno Ikoedem, stated that while no arrests have been made, the investigation is ongoing and updates would be provided as it progresses.
Security presence has since been increased around Odigie-Oyegun’s residence as authorities continue efforts to identify those behind the attacks.
Mystery Surrounds Attack on Edo ADC Secretariat, Oyegun’s Residence After Akpata’s Defection
