Suspected thugs attacked the secretariat of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Benin City, Edo State, leaving three persons injured and property vandalised. The incident occurred shortly after former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, ADC national leader John Odigie-Oyegun, former Senate Chief Whip Rowland Owie and Edo ADC Chairman Kennedy Odion left the venue.
The leaders had gathered to receive former Labour Party governorship candidate Olumide Akpata, who recently defected to the ADC. Eyewitnesses said party members were still at the secretariat when hoodlums stormed the premises, disrupting activities and destroying property.
The attackers were also alleged to have moved to Odigie-Oyegun’s residence, where vehicles parked outside were vandalised and gunshots fired. The Edo ADC Chairman said the incident had been reported to the police, accusing the All Progressives Congress (APC) of orchestrating the violence.
Governor Monday Okpebholo, however, denied any involvement by his administration or the APC. APC Chairman Jarret Tenebe dismissed the allegation, describing the incident as an internal crisis within the ADC and urging the party not to drag the APC into its affairs.
The Edo State Police Command confirmed that a political gathering was disrupted by suspected hoodlums but downplayed the extent of the damage. Police spokesperson Eno Ikoedem said patrol teams responded promptly, no casualties were officially recorded, and security had been reinforced in the area.
In separate reactions, Obi and Odigie-Oyegun condemned the attack, warning that political violence could have grave consequences. Obi called on authorities to act decisively, while Odigie-Oyegun described the development as dangerous and capable of plunging the state into chaos, insisting that the protection of lives and property remains the primary responsibility of the government.
