Police Launch Investigation into Attacks on ADC Leaders and Former Governor’s Residence

Crime Diary, Politics

EDO STATE, NIGERIA (NPA): The Edo State Police Command has confirmed a series of violent incidents in Benin City on Tuesday, targeting leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the residence of former Edo State Governor, Chief John Odigie Oyegun. The attacks occurred shortly after Labour Party candidate in the recent Edo gubernatorial election, Olumide Akpata, defected to the ADC.

In a statement, Police Public Relations Officer Eno Ikoedem said hoodlums infiltrated a political gathering at the ADC State Secretariat on Ogbelaka Street, off Sapele Road, causing panic and a stampede. “At about 14:55 hours, during political activities at the ADC Secretariat, some hoodlums allegedly infiltrated the gathering and caused commotion, which led to a stampede at the end of the occasion, shortly after the programme was officially concluded and most dignitaries had departed,” the statement read.

The police reported that the attackers overturned furniture, vandalised plastic chairs and canopies arranged outside the venue, and chased party members away. Patrol teams responded swiftly, but the hoodlums fled upon sighting the operatives. No fatalities were recorded, though one woman sustained minor injuries during the stampede. She was treated at a nearby chemist and later discharged. Security has since been reinforced around the secretariat.

In a related development, the command confirmed gunshots were reported at the residence of Chief Oyegun, who also serves as ADC State Chairman. Police operatives arriving at the scene observed extensive damage, including shattered windscreens and body parts of vehicles parked outside the property. Spent bullet casings were recovered from the premises. No casualties were reported.

Edo State Commissioner of Police, CP Monday Agbonika, has ordered a full-scale investigation into both incidents. “The Command is committed to identifying, apprehending, and prosecuting those responsible for these attacks,” the statement concluded.