Tension gripped residents of Benin City on Tuesday as suspected thugs launched a violent attack on the secretariat of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the second time in one month, leaving several people injured and property destroyed.
Eyewitnesses said the armed men, masked and wielding pump-action guns, stormed the party office at 19 Ogbelaka Road, opening fire indiscriminately on party faithful who had gathered to receive defectors from the Labour Party and former presidential candidate, Peter Obi.
Residents fled for safety as gunshots rang out across the area. Victims of the attack include a woman reportedly shot in the neck, another in the head, and several others beaten unconscious. Among those hospitalised are the daughters of the ADC Ward 10 Chairman.
The attackers also vandalised the premises, smashing chairs, seizing DJ equipment, and carting away mobile phones belonging to attendees.
More so, facts obtained by this online newspaper reveal that the gunmen extended the violence to the residence of ADC National Leader, John Odigie-Oyegun, where they reportedly fired at his gate and damaged more than 10 vehicles parked outside. Witnesses said the assailants shot at car windows, tyres and fuel tanks, while continuing to fire sporadically.
Some eyewitnesses claimed the attackers shouted warnings against Obi’s visit to Edo State, alleging they had earlier cautioned against his presence.
In a statement, the ADC accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of sponsoring the attack, a claim that has not been independently verified.
As of the time of filing this report, neither the APC nor the Edo State Police Command had issued an official response.
The latest incident raises fresh concerns over political violence and security in the state, particularly as tensions continue to rise ahead of political activities.
