Terrorists attack in Benin targets Peter Obi, John Odigie-Oyegun, ADC Leaders
Political tension escalated in Edo State on Tuesday following an alleged attack on former presidential candidate Peter Obi, former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress John Odigie-Oyegun, and other leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
The incident reportedly occurred in Benin City during activities marking the formal declaration of Olumide Akpata into the ADC.
In a statement issued in Abuja, Dr. Yunusa Tanko, former campaign spokesman for Obi and National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide, alleged that armed men trailed Obi and other ADC chieftains from the party’s secretariat to Odigie-Oyegun’s residence.
READ ALSO: Terrorism: The enemy within, by Tunde Abatan
“Peter Obi and the leadership of the ADC are under siege and attack in Benin, Edo State,” the statement said, claiming that gunmen fired shots at the residence gate and damaged several vehicles in what was described as a suspected assassination attempt.
Images and video clips shared by Tanko showed multiple SUVs with shattered windscreens and visible damage. The gate to Odigie-Oyegun’s residence also appeared to bear bullet marks, indicating the severity of the alleged assault. Obi and other party leaders were seen assessing the destruction after the incident.
As of the time of reporting, there were no confirmed casualties, and security agencies in Edo State had yet to issue an official statement on the matter.
The development comes amid heightened political strain nationwide, particularly among opposition groups challenging recent electoral outcomes. Just a day earlier, the ADC candidate in the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) chairmanship election, Dr. Moses Paul, rejected the February 21 poll results declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
READ ALSO: Terrorists torch homes, shops in Adamawa communities
INEC had announced Christopher Maikalangu of the All Progressives Congress as winner with 40,295 votes out of 62,861 valid ballots cast. Paul secured 12,109 votes, while the Peoples Democratic Party candidate polled 3,398 votes.
Paul alleged voter suppression, result manipulation, and intimidation during the election.
Supporters of the Obidient Movement and ADC members have called for a thorough investigation into Tuesday’s alleged attack and urged security agencies to guarantee the safety of political actors, regardless of party affiliation.
At press time, neither the Edo State Government nor the Nigeria Police Force had issued an official response to the reported incident.
Follow the Neptune Prime channel on WhatsApp:
Do you have breaking news, interview request, opinion, suggestion, or want your event covered? Email us at neptuneprime2233@gmail.com
