Edo State Police Command says it has launched a full-scale investigation into attacks on African Democratic Congress (ADC) leaders by armed hoodlums during an event in Benin City.
The Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, directed a comprehensive investigation to identify and prosecute those responsible.
The command emphasized that political violence will not be tolerated and confirmed that party leaders have been invited to discuss measures to maintain peaceful political activity.
Edo State Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Eno Ikodem, in a statement, said the disturbance occurred around 2:55 p.m.
She said suspected hoodlums disrupted the venue, overturned furniture, and caused panic before fleeing.
“No casualties were recorded, though one woman sustained minor injuries unrelated to gunfire. She received treatment and has been discharged,” the statement said. Patrol teams responding to reports of gunshots near Odigie-Oyegun’s residence found evidence of property damage, including broken vehicle windscreens, but no injuries.
Police authorities called on residents to remain calm and assist with the investigation.
Earlier while reacting to the incident, the National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, Yunusa Tanko, reported that the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and several other ADC chieftains were attacked by armed men who arrived at the residence of the former governor of Edo State John Odigie-Oyegun, venue of the event, and started shooting sporadically.
