‘How hoodlums attacked ADC supporters at party’s secretariat, Oyegun’s house in Edo’

By Jethro Ibileke

Supporters of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) supporters were on Tuesday attacked in Benin, Edo State, by suspected thugs, shortly after the defection of former Labour Party (LP) governorship candidate, Olumide Akpata, to the party.

Today’s attack is coming 20 days after suspected thugs attempted to set the secretariat ablaze, and barely 24 hours after Governor Monday Okpebholo accused the ADC of sponsoring cultism in Edo State.

The suspected thugs reportedly invaded the ADC secretariat shortly after the LP presidential candidate in 2023 election, Peter Obi, and other dignitaries had left the venue to Chief John Odogie-Oyegun’s house.

Several supporters of the ADC, including women, were reportedly injured.

The assailants who came in several vehicles allegedly move from the secretariat to Chief Oyegun’s house where the dignitaries were having meeting and shattered the windshields of the vehicle parked outside the house.

ADC’s state chairman, Kenneth Odion, who confirmed the incident, fingered the ruling APC in the state for the attack.

He said the suspected thugs stormed the secretariat after Peter Obi and other dignitaries had left the venue of the defection.

Odion who said many supporters especially women sustained injuries while chairs and canopy were destroyed during the attack.

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.

Edo State Police Command’s Spokesperson, Eno Ikoedem, confirmed the incident.

According to her, 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,” she said.

Ikoedem also disclosed that personnel of the Command 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.