ADC Accuses APC Chairman of Orchestrating Gunmen Attack on Members During Edo Campaign

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Edo State has raised alarm over a violent attack on its members during a political engagement in Igueben Local Government Area, where a party member was shot and critically injured. The incident, which occurred on Tuesday at the palace of the Enogie of Igueben, involved armed men allegedly led by the Igueben LGA Chairman, who attacked the entourage of Kenneth Imasuangbon and ADC’s Edo Central senatorial candidate, Hon. Herbeta Okonofua. According to Chris Ojeikere, ADC’s Publicity Secretary in Edo State, the assailants opened fire on the group, resulting in Jerry Oliha, a member of ADC Ward 6, being shot. He was rushed to Irrua Specialist Hospital, where medical staff are fighting to save his life.

Ojeikere stated that this was the third shooting incident targeting ADC members in Igueben that day, with previous attacks reported in Ward 4 and Ward 5. He linked the violence to a broader pattern of aggression by supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC), citing earlier threats made by Jarrett Tenebe, an APC figure, who reportedly vowed to unleash AK-47s on Edo people. The ADC official claimed these threats were not random but part of a premeditated campaign of intimidation and violence against their party structures and members. Similar attacks have been recorded in Etsako East, Owan West, and Owan East, all coordinated by local government chairmen aligned with the APC, according to the statement.

At the scene of the Igueben attack, bullets were recovered and handed over to both the police and the traditional ruler for investigation. Property damage was also extensive, with canopies, chairs, musical instruments, and other materials worth millions of naira destroyed at the palace premises. The ADC emphasized that it would release a detailed report on the series of violent incidents soon, highlighting what it describes as a systematic policy of violence by the ruling party. The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) for Igueben Local Government Area has been notified and is involved in the ongoing investigation into the attack.

This latest incident adds to growing concerns about political violence ahead of upcoming elections in Edo State. With multiple attacks reported across different LGAs, security agencies face mounting pressure to ensure safety for all political actors. The ADC has called for swift action from law enforcement and urged the public to remain vigilant. As tensions rise, stakeholders are watching closely to see how authorities will respond to these escalating threats. The outcome of this situation could significantly influence the political climate in Edo State in the coming weeks.