By Peace Udugba -The daily torch media
Prominent political figures, including former presidential candidate Peter Obi and former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), John Odigie-Oyegun, were allegedly attacked by suspected thugs in Benin, Edo State, on Tuesday.
The incident reportedly occurred during political activities marking the formal declaration of Olumide Akpata into the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
The development was confirmed in a statement issued in Abuja by Dr. Yunusa Tanko, former spokesperson for Obi’s presidential campaign and National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide.
According to the statement, Obi and other ADC leaders were allegedly trailed by armed individuals from the ADC Secretariat to Odigie-Oyegun’s residence in Benin. The attackers were said to have opened fire at the gate of the residence and vandalised several vehicles in what Tanko described as a “survived assassination attempt.”
“Peter Obi and the leadership of the ADC are under siege and attack in Benin, Edo State. At the formal declaration of Olumide Akpata into the ADC, armed individuals followed us from the ADC Secretariat to the residence of Chief John Odigie-Oyegun. They shot at the gate and destroyed several vehicles,” the statement read.
Photos and videos accompanying the statement showed multiple SUVs with shattered windscreens, while the gate leading to Odigie-Oyegun’s residence appeared riddled with bullet holes.
The reported attack has heightened concerns over rising political tensions in Edo State, particularly as opposition figures continue to challenge recent electoral developments and raise alarm over the safety of political actors.
As of the time of filing this report, security authorities had yet to issue an official statement on the incident.
