A violent incident rocked the 2027 political landscape in Edo State, Nigeria, as gunmen attacked the convoy of former governorship aspirant Kenneth Imasuangbon and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) Edo Central senatorial candidate, Hon. Herberta Okonofua. The attack occurred in Igueben Local Government Area, with reports indicating that suspected thugs, allegedly linked to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), opened fire on their convoy.
According to the ADC, the attack was led by the Igueben Local Government Council Chairman, Hon. Endurance Azemegbe. During the attack, one of the party supporters, Jerry Oliha, sustained gunshot wounds and was rushed to the Irrua Specialist Hospital for treatment. The incident marked the third attack on the entourage within the local government, following earlier alleged shootings in Wards 4 and 5.
The ADC has condemned the attack, describing it as part of a wider pattern of violence against opposition members and facilities in the state. The party cited similar incidents in Etsako East, Owan West, and Owan East. The ADC state Publicity Secretary, Chris Ojeikere, stated that the party would release a comprehensive report on the incident, emphasizing that the attack was a result of the APC's policy of violence.
However, Hon. Endurance Azemegbe, when contacted, denied any involvement in the alleged attack. He claimed he was not in Igueben at the time of the incident and was only aware of it through media reports. Azemegbe assured that he would investigate the matter, describing the incident as strange and emphasizing that the people of Igueben are peaceful and brothers.
The Edo State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eno Ikoedem, said he could not immediately confirm the incident. He added that the police command would investigate the matter once it was formally reported. The incident has sparked concerns over the growing political tension in Edo, particularly in light of recent threats by the APC state Chairman, Jarrett Tenebe.
Tenebe had reportedly threatened to deploy AK-47s against perceived opponents in the party's drive to deliver 2.5 million votes to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. This development has raised concerns about the potential for further violence in the state as the 2027 political battle intensifies.
The attack on Imasuangbon and Okonofua's convoy has highlighted the security challenges facing politicians and their supporters in Edo State. The incident has also underscored the need for authorities to take proactive measures to prevent further violence and ensure a peaceful political environment.
Key points
- The attack is part of a wider pattern of violence against opposition members and facilities in Edo State.
- The incident has sparked concerns over growing political tension in Edo State.
- The police command has promised to investigate the matter once it is formally reported.
