ADC Raises Alarm Over Fresh Attack on Benin Secretariat, Accuses APC Thugs

The Edo State chapter of the African Democratic Congress has condemned what it described as a second violent attack within one month on its state secretariat located at Ogbelaka Road, Benin City.

In a statement signed by its chairman, Kannedy Odion, the party alleged that armed thugs suspected to be members of the All Progressives Congress invaded the premises during a gathering organised to receive defectors from the Labour Party and to welcome former presidential candidate, Peter Obi.

According to the statement, the attackers were masked and reportedly armed with pump-action guns. They allegedly fired sporadically and assaulted party members and supporters present at the event.
The ADC said one woman sustained a gunshot wound to the neck, another person was shot in the head, while several others were beaten.

It added that victims were receiving treatment in medical facilities.
The party further alleged that the attackers destroyed property at the secretariat, including chairs and DJ equipment used for the event.

The statement also claimed that after the incident, the same group proceeded to the residence of the party’s national leader and former national chairman of the APC, John Odigie-Oyegun, where they allegedly fired shots at the gate and vehicles parked outside, damaging more than 10 cars.

The ADC described the development as a serious threat to democratic freedoms, including the rights to peaceful assembly and political association.

It called on security agencies to urgently investigate the incident, apprehend those responsible and ensure the safety of all citizens regardless of political affiliation.
The party also urged political stakeholders to avoid actions capable of escalating tension and to uphold the rule of law.

• There has been no official response yet from the APC or the Edo State Government as of the time of filing this report.