Deacon Amb. Darlington Okpebholo Ray has firmly condemned the gun attack on former presidential candidate Peter Obi and other political figures in Benin City, calling it an intolerable assault on democratic values and public safety.
The incident occurred on Tuesday when unidentified gunmen trailed the convoy carrying Mr. Obi, now in the African Democratic Congress (ADC) along with former Edo State Governor Chief John Odigie-Oyegun and other party members.
The attack followed an event at the ADC secretariat, with gunfire damaging vehicles, shattering windshields and tyres, and leaving bullet holes in gates at Mr. Oyegun’s residence. Fortunately, no lives were lost, though the episode has been widely viewed as an attempted assassination amid rising political friction in the state.
“I unequivocally condemn the attempt on the lives of Peter Obi and others in Edo State yesterday,” he said, expressing his clear rejection of the violence.
He stressed that such acts have no place in Nigeria’s democracy, saying, “Such violence has no place in a democratic society and cannot be justified under any circumstance.”
Turning his attention to the government’s responsibility, Okpebholo insisted there can be no excuses for failing to protect citizens, “The government has no excuse whatsoever; the protection of lives and property is its foremost constitutional responsibility.”
He called for immediate and open action if the authorities are not involved, “If the authorities bear no complicity, they must act swiftly and transparently to identify, apprehend, and prosecute those responsible. Anything short of this would represent a grave failure of duty and an affront to justice.”
“The people deserve not only condemnation in words but decisive action that restores confidence in the rule of law and public safety,” said emphasizing the broader need for concrete steps to rebuild public trust.
The attack has heightened fears about political intolerance and the vulnerability of opposition leaders ahead of future elections.
Security agencies have confirmed the incident and launched investigations, while the Edo State Government has denied any role in the event.
