Lawmaker Escapes Unharmed
Chaos erupted in Ovade, Oghara, Ethiope West Local Government Area of Delta State on Saturday as gunmen reportedly opened fire at the venue of the All Progressives Congress (APC) local government congress. Rt. Hon. Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu, who represents Ethiope Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives and is the daughter of former Delta State governor James Ibori, was forced to flee under heavy security in what her aides described as a targeted assassination attempt.
Eyewitnesses recounted that the tension escalated shortly after the lawmaker’s arrival at the venue, where armed assailants blocked access to the field designated for the congress. Gunshots rang out moments later, prompting delegates and supporters to scatter for safety.
“We ran for our lives. Some of us fell and got injured. They attacked us at the gate and prevented us from entering,” an eyewitness told reporters. “They were armed with all kinds of weapons. Only God saved madam.”
Members of Ibori-Suenu’s entourage said the attackers appeared intent on preventing her from entering the venue. “They denied her entry, and immediately the shooting started,” an aide stated. “Had she stepped further into that field, the outcome could have been tragic.”
Security personnel assigned to the lawmaker quickly formed a protective cordon around her, facilitating her safe evacuation from the scene. Some security operatives sustained injuries while repelling the assailants.
Several party members were reportedly injured during the chaos, though the exact number of casualties remains unconfirmed. Victims were said to have received emergency medical care at nearby facilities.
An aide close to the lawmaker described the attack as deliberate, alleging that certain influential interests in the area were dissatisfied with the congress proceedings. “This was not random violence. The intention was clear,” the aide said. No arrests have been reported, and authorities have yet to publicly link any sponsors to the attack.
Despite the harrowing incident, Ibori-Suenu remained composed and appealed for calm. “I urge everyone to remain calm. We must not take the law into our hands despite this unprovoked assault,” she reportedly told supporters in the immediate aftermath.
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Gunmen Attack APC Congress in Ovade, Delta State
