ADC Secretariat, Odigie-Oyegun’s House Attacked in Benin

Former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi and a national leader of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), John Odigie-Oyegun, have condemned a violent attack by suspected thugs on the party’s secretariat in Benin City, Edo State, which left three persons injured.

The incident occurred shortly after Obi, Odigie-Oyegun, former Senate Chief Whip Senator Rowland Owie and the Edo State Chairman of the ADC, Kennedy Odion, left the party secretariat.

They had gone to receive former Labour Party governorship candidate, Olumide Akpata, who defected to the ADC.

Eyewitnesses said party members were still at the venue when the suspected hoodlums stormed the secretariat, disrupting activities and vandalized the property.

It was further alleged that the attackers moved to Odigie-Oyegun’s residence, where vehicles parked outside were vandalised, and shots were fired.

Edo ADC Chairman told our reporter that the incident had been reported to the police, accusing the All Progressives Congress of orchestrating the attack.

But Governor Monday Okpebholo said neither his government nor his party, the APC had anything to do with the violence.

Edo ADC chair said: “We heard APC was coming to attack us, so we quickly cut short the programme.

“A few minutes after we left, thugs stormed the venue. Three people were injured.

“After destroying the secretariat, they came to Chief Oyegun’s house and destroyed many vehicles parked outside.

“The Commissioner of Police has visited and promised an investigation.”

Edo APC Chairman, Jarret Tenebe, dismissed the allegation, describing the incident as an internal crisis within the ADC.

He asked: “Did the attackers wear APC uniform?. What is happening in ADC is factional fighting.

“Owie and Oyegun are fighting each other. They should not drag us into their problem.”

Confirming the incident, the Edo State Police Command said a political gathering was disrupted by suspected hoodlums but played down the extent of the damage.

Police spokesperson, Eno Ikoedem, said patrol teams responded promptly and that no casualties were officially recorded, adding that security had been reinforced in the area.

Obi and Odigie-Oyegun, in separate reactions, condemned the attack, warning of grave consequences if political violence is allowed to persist.

Obi said it was time for those in government to act decisively.