Peter Obi, Odigie-Oyegun Recount Narrow Escape as Gunmen Storm ADC Secretariat and Residence in Benin

Intelligence Alert Cut Meeting Short Before Armed Men Opened Fire; APC, Edo Govt Deny Involvement

Benin City was thrown into turmoil after gunmen attacked a political gathering attended by former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, ex-Edo governor John Odigie-Oyegun, and other leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

The incident occurred shortly after the ADC formally received former Nigerian Bar Association president Olumide Akpata at its state secretariat on Ogbelaka Street, off Sokponba Road.

Eyewitnesses said the attackers arrived in multiple vehicles, including an unmarked Sienna bus and motorcycles, firing shots and vandalising chairs, canopies and banners. Several people were reportedly injured.

‘We Got Intelligence’ — Oyegun

Odigie-Oyegun said the gathering was cut short after security information suggested an imminent attack.

“Halfway through the proceedings, we got intelligence report… that the place was going to be attacked, so we should wind up,” he told journalists.

According to him, they left moments before gunmen stormed the venue.

“You can’t ignore information. We were barely lucky to have left in time. Thereafter, it looked like all hell broke loose… People arrived in about 10 vehicles shooting all over the place,” he said.

He criticised what he described as a lack of coordinated emergency security response, questioning how armed men could invade and leave without immediate interception.

Attack Spreads to Residence

The violence later shifted to Odigie-Oyegun’s residence on Reservation Road, where gunshots were again heard. Vehicles parked outside the property were riddled with bullets, and visible damage was captured in videos circulating online.

In one clip, Obi is heard lamenting the state of democracy.

“This is a former governor of the state… Look at the gate, see the bullet holes. Several cars damaged. That is where our democracy has reached,” he said.

Obi warned that political violence, if unchecked, could have long-term consequences for the country.

“It is time to speak up. It is time those in government act. They are not going to be there forever,” he added.

Allegations and Denials

The Edo State chairman of the ADC, Kennedy Odion, accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) of masterminding the attack, alleging that three people were injured.

However, Edo State Commissioner for Information, Kassim Afegbua, dismissed the claims, attributing the incident to internal disputes within the ADC. He suggested that prior notification to Governor Monday Okpebholo might have led to enhanced security arrangements.

The Edo APC chairman, Emperor Jarret Tenebe, also denied any involvement, describing the episode as a factional conflict within the opposition party.

Police Confirm Disruption

The Edo State Police Command confirmed that a political gathering was disrupted by suspected hoodlums shortly after it concluded.

Police spokesperson Eno Ikoedem said some property was damaged but reported no casualties. Security presence has since been reinforced at both the secretariat and Odigie-Oyegun’s residence, with investigations ongoing.

Opposition Voices Raise Alarm

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar condemned the incident as “utterly condemnable,” warning that inflammatory political rhetoric can fuel violence.

Akpata described the episode as a troubling sign for democratic opposition, while Senator Owie denied suggestions of internal rifts within the ADC.

The incident has intensified political tensions in Edo State, with competing narratives over responsibility. As investigations proceed, concerns are mounting over political tolerance and the security of opposition figures in Nigeria’s increasingly charged environment.