Toba Owojaiye reporting
Benin City, Edo State
In a brazen display of political intolerance, Edo State witnessed another dark day as thugs, allegedly led by Kapuepwe, the younger brother of Tony Kabaka, stormed the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) state secretariat, vandalizing the premises and violently expelling workers. This act of aggression, carried out under the pretense of reclaiming what they termed a “factional secretariat,” has left many questioning the direction of the newly sworn-in All Progressives Congress (APC) government under Monday Okpebholo.
Truth Live News gathered that for over four years, the PDP has occupied the now-destroyed secretariat without issue. The sudden violent takeover signals an unsettling escalation in political hostilities. Witnesses recounted scenes of chaos as Kapuepwe’s group dismantled furniture, shattered windows, and left the secretariat in ruins. Employees were forcefully marched out, as the thugs proclaimed, “No room for the PDP in Edo State.”
This incident comes amidst a growing security crisis in Edo State, with rising cases of youth killings under the guise of cult clashes. The APC administration, barely settling into power, has yet to address these grave issues. Instead, this latest display of thuggery seems to further destabilize an already fragile state.
The political undertone of the attack cannot be ignored. Many Edo residents blame the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for paving the way for this crisis by allegedly manipulating electoral outcomes. Critics argue that INEC’s questionable handling of the electoral process has emboldened political actors to pursue vendettas under the guise of governance.
The judiciary, now seen as the last hope, faces immense pressure to restore order and justice. Edo State, once known for its relative peace, has been thrust into the limelight for all the wrong reasons. Citizens are calling for immediate action to prevent further political violence and ensure that the state does not descend into anarchy.
The silence from Governor Monday Okpebholo’s administration is deafening. The onus lies on the APC government to prove its commitment to democracy and governance by condemning and addressing this travesty. Until decisive action is taken, Edo State risks becoming a breeding ground for political lawlessness, leaving its citizens to pay the ultimate price for the failures of leadership.
As Edo State teeters on the brink, the question remains: will those in power rise to the occasion, or will they allow thuggery and political vendettas to define their legacy?
