A violent incident has occurred in Edo State, Nigeria, as suspected thugs allegedly attacked supporters and leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) during a political engagement in Igueben Local Government Area. The attack took place on Tuesday evening as the ADC campaign train moved through the local government area. According to reports, a party chieftain and former governorship aspirant, Kenneth Imasuangbon, the party's Edo Central senatorial candidate, Herbert Okonofua, and other party leaders came under gunfire.
The ADC alleged that an armed group attacked their entourage during political activities in the area, resulting in one of its supporters, Jerry Oliha from Ward 6, sustaining gunshot wounds. Oliha was shot at the premises of the Enogie of Igueben and was subsequently rushed to Irrua Specialist Hospital for medical attention. The party claimed that this was the third time their entourage had come under attack in the local government area on the same day, with previous incidents occurring in Ward 4 and Ward 5.
The ADC State Publicity Secretary, Chris Ojeikere, condemned the incident and accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of allowing political violence to grow in the state. Ojeikere stated that the suspected attackers, allegedly led by the Chairman of Igueben Local Government Area, Endurance Azemegbe, shot at Oliha, who is currently receiving treatment at the hospital. The police were also informed about the incident, and the ADC vowed to issue a comprehensive report on the pattern of political violence against its members and supporters in Edo State.
The incident has sparked tension in the state, with the ADC alleging that similar attacks had occurred in other parts of Edo, including Etsako East, Owan West, and Owan East. However, Endurance Azemegbe denied involvement in the alleged attack, stating that he was not in Igueben at the time of the incident and only learned about it after being contacted by journalists. Azemegbe assured that he would investigate the matter.
The Edo State Police Command has also commented on the incident, with the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eno Ikoedem, stating that the command could not immediately confirm the reported attack. Ikoedem said the police would intervene once the matter was formally reported. This development comes barely a week after the APC State Chairman, Jarrett Tenebe, was reported to have threatened to deploy AK-47 rifles against perceived opponents.
The ADC has expressed concerns about the growing trend of political violence in the state, and the party has vowed to take necessary measures to protect its members and supporters. The incident has also raised questions about the level of security in the state, particularly during political engagements. Authorities have urged calm and promised to investigate the incident.
The attack on the ADC supporters has added to concerns about the increasing violence in Nigerian politics. The incident is currently under investigation, and further details are expected to emerge. The Edo State government and security agencies have been urged to take concrete steps to prevent such incidents in the future and ensure a safe and peaceful political environment.
Key points
- One supporter, Jerry Oliha, was injured in the attack and is receiving treatment at Irrua Specialist Hospital.
- The ADC alleged that the attackers were suspected loyalists of the ruling APC, led by the Chairman of Igueben Local Government Area, Endurance Azemegbe.
- The incident is part of a growing trend of political violence in Edo State, with the ADC reporting similar attacks in other parts of the state.
