How Peter Obi and I survived assassination attempt – Akpata

Barely a day after some chieftains of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), including Peter Obi, came under attack in Edo State, former Nigerian Bar Association president and Labour Party (LP) stalwart, Olumide Akpata, has recounted how he and Obi narrowly escaped harm.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Wednesday, Akpata said he and Obi had separately received intelligence reports warning that the venue of their political event in Benin City could soon be targeted.

“I was in harm’s way, there’s no doubt. I was alongside other people. We were in harm’s way yesterday in Benin,” he said. “Thankfully, due to the efforts of some of the security personnel who were there, I think what could have been a very dastardly event was averted yesterday.”

According to Akpata, LP members had gathered at the ADC Secretariat on Ogbelaka Street in Benin City for a formal ceremony scheduled for 11 a.m. Intelligence soon suggested the venue could be attacked, prompting leaders to expedite proceedings.

“We got information as the event proceeded from sources that are usually reliable that the venue would very soon come under attack from some unknown persons. I received that information separately. Mr. Obi received that information… and we were advised to speed up the event… to avert what those persons thought would be a crisis,” he said.

Akpata described the building as narrow and the street densely populated, warning that even a stampede could have been dangerous. The event was hurriedly concluded, and leaders were escorted to Chief Oyegun’s residence to address the press.

Shortly after their departure, armed men attacked the Secretariat, with Akpata revealing that his cousin narrowly escaped being hit by a bullet.

Since the incident, the Edo State Government has directed the police to investigate. Governor Monday Okpebholo condemned the attack and assured that those responsible would be brought to justice.