Tension gripped Benin City, Edo State, after gunmen attacked locations linked to leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), shortly after a political meeting.
Among those affected were 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi and former Edo governor John Odigie-Oyegun, who reportedly left the venue minutes before the attack. The gathering was held to receive former Nigerian Bar Association president Olumide Akpata into the party.
Eyewitnesses said armed men arrived in vehicles, fired gunshots, and vandalised property at the party secretariat before moving to Odigie-Oyegun’s residence, where vehicles and structures were damaged. Some persons were reportedly injured.
ADC leaders alleged the attackers trailed them from the meeting, while the All Progressives Congress (APC) denied involvement, describing the incident as an internal party issue. Edo State officials also rejected claims of political complicity.
Police authorities confirmed the disruption, stating that suspected hoodlums scattered the gathering and damaged items, but reported no fatalities. Security was later reinforced around the affected locations as investigations began.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar condemned the attack, warning that political violence threatens democratic stability.
The incident has heightened political tension in the state, with concerns growing over security and intolerance ahead of future political activities.
