The Edo State Police Command has begun an investigation into an alleged attack on leaders of the African Democratic Congress during a political gathering in Benin City.
The incident came after Yunusa Tanko, National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, claimed that Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, and some ADC leaders were attacked on Tuesday. Tanko made the allegation in a post on X, stating that the incident happened at the residence of John Odigie-Oyegun.
In response, the command’s spokesperson, Eno Ikodem, issued a statement on Wednesday explaining that suspected hoodlums broke into the political meeting at about 2:55 p.m. According to her, the disruption occurred shortly after the event had ended and most of the dignitaries had already left the venue.
“The hoodlums were said to have caused commotion, chased members away and threw the furniture at the venue upside down,” the statement read.
The police explained that patrol teams quickly moved to the scene after receiving distress calls, but the suspects had already fled before officers arrived. Ikodem further said that plastic chairs and canopies set up outside the secretariat for the programme were damaged during the disturbance.
The command made it clear that no lives were lost in the incident. However, it confirmed that one woman was injured during the panic that followed the disruption.
“No casualties were recorded. However, during the ensuing stampede, one woman sustained injuries not related to gunfire. She was promptly treated at a nearby chemist and has since been discharged,” the statement added.
In a related update, Ikodem said the police also looked into reports of alleged gunshots around Odigie-Oyegun’s residence. Officers who visited the area noticed signs of deliberate damage, including shattered rear windscreens and damaged parts of vehicles parked outside the compound. Despite the destruction, the police confirmed that no one was hurt at the residence.
The Commissioner of Police in Edo State, Monday Agbonika, has directed what the command described as a “full-scale” investigation into the incidents. The police stated that efforts are ongoing to identify, arrest, and prosecute those responsible.
Reaffirming its position, the command assured residents and political actors that all stakeholders would receive protection, regardless of party differences.
“Acts of political violence will not be tolerated under any guise,” the statement noted.
The police also revealed that leaders of political parties in the state have been invited to meet with the commissioner to discuss ways to ensure peaceful political engagements. Residents were advised to stay calm and share useful information that could help in the ongoing investigation.
