Suspected political thugs on Tuesday attacked the Edo State secretariat of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Benin City, firing gunshots and injuring at least three persons shortly after a high-profile party event.
The assailants, who reportedly arrived in an unmarked vehicle and on a motorbike, stormed the party office on Ogbelaka Street around mid-afternoon, dispersing supporters who were still at the premises. The gathering had earlier hosted national and state leaders of the ADC and formally received recent defectors into the party.
Witnesses said the attackers shot sporadically into the air and vandalised canopies, chairs and parked vehicles before fleeing the scene. Some of the injured were treated for gunshot-related wounds and trauma, while party property was left damaged.
Police authorities in Edo confirmed the incident, stating that patrol teams were immediately deployed and the situation was brought under control. The command said no fatalities were recorded and investigations had commenced to identify and arrest those responsible.
The attack occurred shortly after top ADC figures, including former national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, and other party leaders, had departed the secretariat following the political meeting.
Party officials alleged that the violence was politically motivated, pointing to rising tensions linked to recent defections and realignments in Edo’s opposition landscape. However, rival political actors in the state dismissed the accusation, describing the clash as an internal dispute within the ADC.
The incident has heightened concerns over political security in Edo State, coming weeks after an attempted arson at the same ADC secretariat. Observers warn that escalating rivalry ahead of future electoral contests could trigger further violence if not contained by security agencies.
Police said security had been reinforced around political offices and urged residents to remain calm while the investigation continues.
Abuja Network News
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