Ismail Abdulazeez Mantu Reporting
The usually bustling streets of Benin City were thrown into chaos today when notorious gang leader and APC Youth Leader in Edo State, Tony Adun, also known as Tony Kabaka, along with another political thug, Osaro Obazee, allegedly disrupted the ongoing Permanent Voter’s Card (PVC) collection exercise.
The incident occurred at the designated Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) PVC collection center, located in the heart of the city, triggering panic among residents and officials alike.
The day began typically at the INEC office in Benin City, where hundreds of citizens gathered to collect their PVCs ahead of the upcoming elections. Despite the tension in the air, the process was initially orderly, with people waiting in long lines to secure their cards. However, around noon, the calm atmosphere was violently disrupted when Tony Kabaka, flanked by a group of men, stormed the premises.
Eyewitnesses described how Kabaka, a controversial political figure notorious for his involvement in political thuggery, approached the INEC officials with a list of names. He allegedly demanded that certain individuals be allowed to bypass the queue and collect their PVCs immediately.
When the INEC staff declined his demands, insisting on following due process, Kabaka reportedly flew into a rage. According to reports, he physically assaulted several staff members, overturned tables, and scattered documents, sparking widespread panic. Citizens who had gathered at the center quickly fled the scene, fearing for their safety.
The incident is reminiscent of the violent events of July 18th, when Kabaka was implicated in the political violence at Benin Airport. The disruption of the PVC collection exercise has raised concerns about the safety of the electoral process in Edo State, with many calling for tighter security measures ahead of the elections.
Local authorities have not yet released an official statement on the incident, but sources suggest that an investigation is underway. Residents and political observers are anxiously awaiting further developments, as the situation continues to unfold.