Violence erupted in Benin City on Tuesday as suspected thugs attacked supporters of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) following the high-profile defection of former Labour Party (LP) governorship candidate, Olumide Akpata, to the party.
The assault occurred shortly after 2023 LP presidential candidate Peter Obi and other dignitaries departed the secretariat for a meeting at the residence of Chief John Odigie-Oyegun.
The assailants, who arrived in several vehicles, reportedly moved from the secretariat to Chief Oyegun’s home, where they vandalized vehicles parked outside.
Several ADC supporters, including women, sustained injuries during the raid, which also left the venue’s infrastructure in ruins.
ADC State Chairman Kenneth Odion confirmed the incident, accusing the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of orchestrating the violence.
This marks the second major security breach at the secretariat in 20 days and follows Governor Monday Okpebholo’s recent allegations linking the ADC to cultism.
He explained that after attacking supporters at the secretariat, the suspected thugs moved to Chief Oyegun’s and shattered the windshields of vehicles parked at the house.
Confirming the incident, Edo Police command’s spokesperson, DSP Eno Ikoedem, said: “Shortly after the event concluded, a group of suspected hoodlums disrupted the premises and chased attendees away.
“Some plastic chairs and canopies were damaged during the incident. No casualties were reported.”
Ikoedem also said Police personnel responded swiftly to the distress call, prompting the suspects to flee the scene.
“Security has since been reinforced around the premises, and normalcy has been fully restored.
“The situation remains under control while investigations are ongoing to arrest the perpetrators of this crime,” she said.
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