Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting
The Edo State Police command has shed light on the alleged assassination attack on the presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general elections and now member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Peter Obi and the national leader of the party, Chief John Odigie Oyegun in Benin, saying that the situation has been brought under control.
The explanations was contained in a statement signed by the Command’s image maker, ASP Eno Ikoedem and made available to Journalists in Benin.
She said that the command confirms that there were reports of incidents of unrest at the ADC political events today, 24th February, 2026, in Benin City.
According to Ikoedem, “At about 1455hrs, during political activities at the African Democratic Congress (ADC) State Secretariat located at Ogbelaka Street, off Sapele Road, Benin City, some hoodlums allegedly infiltrated the gathering and caused panic which led to a stampede at the end of the occasion, shortly after the programme was officially concluded, and most dignitaries had departed the venue.
“The hoodlums were said to have caused commotion, chased members away and threw the furniture at the venue upside down.
“Police patrol teams swiftly responded to the distress call, but the hoodlums fled upon sighting operatives. Plastic chairs and canopies that were arranged and kept on the road outside the premises of the secretariat for the event were vandalised and damaged.
“No casualties were recorded. However, during the ensuing stampede, one woman sustained injuries not related to gunfire. She was promptly treated at a nearby chemist and has since been discharged.
“Security has been reinforced around the secretariat and its environs to forestall any further breakdown of law and order”.
Moving further, she said,”In a related development, at about 1548hrs, the Command received a distress report alleging that gunshots were heard at the residence of the ADC State Chairman and former Executive Governor of Edo State, Chief John Odigie Oyegun.
“Upon arrival at the residence, Police operatives observed signs of malicious damage. Items reportedly destroyed included two rear windscreens and body parts of vehicles parked outside the residence. No casualty was recorded at the residence”.
ASP Ikoedem added that the Commissioner of Police Edo State Command CP Monday Agbonika, has ordered the commencement of a full-scale investigation into the incidents with a view to identifying, apprehending, and prosecuting the perpetrators.
Ikoedem said the Command reiterates its commitment to ensuring adequate security for all political stakeholders, irrespective of party affiliation, and warns that acts of political violence will not be tolerated under any guise.
She said members of the public are urged to remain calm and provide useful information that can aid ongoing investigations, stressing that further developments will be communicated as investigations progress.
She noted that, meanwhile political party leaders have been invited to a meeting with the Commissioner of police to discuss the need for enhanced peaceful political activities in the state henceforth.
