Tension erupted in Benin City on Tuesday following an alleged violent attack targeting former presidential candidate Peter Obi and leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
According to eyewitness accounts and party officials, suspected armed thugs reportedly struck shortly after a political meeting attended by Obi and other opposition figures ended in Edo State.e
An ADC activist, Oruche Ogeamara Precious — popularly known as Mama Pee — claimed in a viral video that the attackers were angered by the unexpectedly large turnout at the party’s secretariat despite what she described as minimal publicity ahead of Obi’s visit.
She alleged that immediately security personnel withdrew from the venue, the attackers mobilised and stormed nearby locations linked to the event.
“They didn’t expect the massive crowd. Once security left, it took less than two minutes before they arrived,” she said.
Vehicles Destroyed, Gunshots Reported
The activist further alleged that the armed men rode in on motorcycles and advanced toward the residence of former APC national chairman John Odigie-Oyegun, located in the city’s Government Reservation Area (GRA).
She claimed the assailants fired gunshots around the premises, damaged several vehicles, and triggered widespread panic among residents.
Obidient Movement Raises Alarm
The National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, Yunusa Tanko, described the incident as a targeted attack against opposition leaders.
In a statement, he alleged that armed individuals trailed Obi and ADC officials from the secretariat to Odigie-Oyegun’s residence during the formal defection of Olumide Akpata into the ADC.
Tanko warned that the attack posed a serious threat to democratic activities, accusing the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of backing the assailants — an allegation yet to be officially responded to by the party or security agencies.
Security Concerns Raised
Witnesses questioned how armed attackers were able to operate so close to police formations without immediate intervention, raising fresh concerns about public safety and political violence in the state.
As of press time, authorities had not issued an official statement regarding arrests or investigations into the incident.
