By Michael Obaze, Benin
Tension enveloped Benin City, Edo State, yesterday, as gunmen attacked the African Democratic Congress (ADC) secretariat and the residence of former Edo State governor, John Odigie-Oyegun, shortly after a political meeting attended by Peter Obi and other opposition leaders.
The attack occurred minutes after the ADC leadership, including Obi, received former president of the Nigerian Bar Association and Labour Party Edo 2024 governorship candidate, Olumide Akpata, into the party at the secretariat located on Ogbelaka Street, Off Sokponba Road.
Gunmen Storm Secretariat, Vandalize Property
Eyewitnesses reported that the attackers, arriving in an unmarked Sienna bus and motorcycle, fired sporadically and destroyed properties including chairs, canopies, and banners. Several party members sustained injuries during the chaos.
Moments later, the gunmen proceeded to Oyegun’s residence on Reservation Road, where they continued shooting.
Vehicles parked outside were riddled with bullets, and a viral video showed damaged cars and a gate peppered with bullet holes.
“We Were Lucky to Escape” — Oyegun
Oyegun, speaking to journalists, confirmed that they had received intelligence about a possible attack from a security agency during the meeting.
“Halfway through the event, we were warned to end it immediately due to an imminent attack. We barely left before the gunmen arrived. It could have been a massacre,” he said, warning that the incident could plunge the state into chaos if unchecked.
Obi: “Government Must Act”
Obi decried the incident as a sign of rising political intolerance, stating:
“It is time to speak up. What happened today is unacceptable. Those in power must act responsibly; they won’t be there forever. The system they allow will come back to haunt us all.”
ADC, Atiku, Akpata Condemn Attack
ADC’s Edo State Chairman, Kennedy Odion, accused the All Progressives Congress of sponsoring the attack, claiming that the thugs struck shortly after the event ended.
“Three people were injured and several vehicles destroyed,” he said, adding that the police have launched an investigation.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar described the attack as “utterly condemnable,” warning that “weaponised political rhetoric” from ruling party figures in Edo State was fueling violence.
Akpata also expressed dismay, saying: “Opposition is a legitimate part of democracy. What happened today shows that some people are uncomfortable with dissent.”
Government, APC Deny Involvement
Edo State Commissioner for Information, Kassim Afegbua, dismissed allegations of government complicity, attributing the violence to internal ADC disputes.
“If Peter Obi had informed Governor Monday Okpebholo of his visit, security arrangements would have been made,” Afegbua said.
Similarly, Edo APC Chairman Emperor Jarret Tenebe denied involvement, insisting: “This is an internal fight within ADC. We have nothing to do with it.”
Police Confirm Incident
Edo State Police spokesperson, Eno Ikoedem, confirmed the incident, stating that “suspected hoodlums disrupted a political gathering” but no deaths were recorded.
She added that investigations are ongoing and security has been reinforced around the affected areas.
Tensions Rise Ahead of Edo 2026 Poll
The attack has deepened political anxiety ahead of the 2026 Edo governorship election, with opposition figures accusing the ruling party of suppressing dissent.
As security agencies probe the incident, observers warn that rising intolerance threatens Nigeria’s fragile democracy — leaving many asking: Is politics once again becoming a battlefield in Edo?
