‘APC Was Coming to Attack Us’ — Oyegun’s House, ADC Secretariat Invaded in Benin

Tension rose in Benin City on Tuesday after suspected hoodlums attacked the secretariat of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and later moved to the residence of a party leader.

The incident happened shortly after a political meeting attended by former Anambra State governor Peter Obi and ADC national leader John Odigie-Oyegun.

The gathering was organised to receive former Labour Party governorship candidate, Olumide Akpata, who recently defected to the ADC.

According to party officials, the attack occurred minutes after key leaders left the venue. Supporters who were still around the secretariat were reportedly injured when the attackers stormed the area and disrupted activities.

Witnesses said the assailants vandalised parts of the party office before proceeding to Odigie-Oyegun’s private residence, where several vehicles parked outside were damaged. Gunshots were also reportedly fired.

Edo ADC Chairman, Kennedy Odion, accused the ruling All Progressives Congress of being behind the violence. He told reporters that security agencies had been alerted.

He said:
“We heard APC was coming to attack us, so we quickly cut short the programme.

“A few minutes after we left, thugs stormed the venue. Three people were injured.

“After destroying the secretariat, they came to Chief Oyegun’s house and destroyed many vehicles parked outside.

“The Commissioner of Police has visited and promised an investigation.”

The Edo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress rejected the accusation. Its chairman, Jarret Tenebe, described the incident as an internal problem within the ADC.

He claimed the violence was linked to factional disagreements in the opposition party and warned against blaming the APC for what he called a domestic dispute.

The Edo State Police Command confirmed that a political gathering was disrupted by suspected hoodlums. Police spokesperson Eno Ikoedem said patrol teams were deployed immediately and security presence in the area had been strengthened.

However, police downplayed the extent of casualties and said investigations were ongoing.

Reacting separately, Obi and Odigie-Oyegun condemned the attack and warned that political violence could destabilise the country.

Obi said:
“It is time to speak up and for the government to act. They will not be there forever. What they allow to happen today will take its revenge on all of us and on the country.”

Odigie-Oyegun said intelligence reports had earlier warned of a possible attack, forcing the party to end its meeting abruptly.

He said:
“We were just lucky to have left in time.

“People arrived in several vehicles, shooting, injuring people and destroying property.

“This is a state with a governor, and the first duty of government is to protect lives and property.”

Speaking on the invasion of his residence, Odigie-Oyegun suggested that Obi’s visit to Edo State may have drawn attention from violent groups.

He asked:
“When did we degenerate to this level? These developments are dangerous and not good for anyone.”

Meanwhile, Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo denied any involvement in the attack.

In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Patrick Ebojele, the government said the governor’s earlier comments about political visits were strictly based on security concerns and not political hostility.

The statement noted that politically exposed persons are expected to inform security agencies ahead of major engagements for proper coordination.

It added that claims linking the government to the violence were misleading and politically motivated.

The government further alleged that the ADC was facing internal disputes, citing a separate confrontation involving rival factions that required police intervention.

According to the statement, attempts to link the governor or the state government to the incident were unfair and aimed at damaging the image of the administration.