A wave of shock has reverberated through Nigeria’s political establishment following a brazen armed assault on prominent figures, including former presidential candidate Peter Obi and the erstwhile National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief John Odigie-Oyegun.
The incident, which occurred on Tuesday afternoon in the Edo State capital, has been described by party officials and eyewitnesses as a narrow escape from a pre-planned assassination attempt.
The violence unfolded shortly after the conclusion of a formal political event at the African Democratic Congress (ADC) Secretariat, held to mark the entry of Barrister Olumide Akpata into the party. According to reports, armed assailants in unmarked vehicles allegedly trailed the convoy of senior leaders as they departed the secretariat for Chief Odigie-Oyegun’s private residence.
Upon the convoy’s arrival at the estate, the gunmen opened fire. Photographic and video evidence from the scene depicts a harrowing aftermath:
The primary entrance gate of the compound was riddled with bullet holes. Several high-end SUVs and security vehicles suffered shattered windscreens and extensive body damage. Initial panic ensued as supporters and bystanders were forced to scramble for cover in nearby buildings.
Dr Yunusa Tanko, National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide, issued a stark warning following the attack, stating, “This was a survived assassination attempt on our lives. Democracy is under siege.”
Parallel to the ambush at the residence, a related outbreak of violence was reported at the ADC Secretariat on Ogbelaka Street. Suspected political thugs reportedly stormed the venue after the principal leaders had departed, attacking those remaining.
Witnesses described a scene of chaos where chairs and canopies were destroyed and personal property was vandalised. Security sources indicate that at least three individuals sustained injuries during this secondary assault and were subsequently rushed to hospital for treatment.
The attack has heightened fears regarding the security climate in Edo State as political activities intensify in the lead-up to the 2027 General Election. While both Mr Obi and Chief Odigie-Oyegun escaped physical harm, the scale and audacity of the assault, targeting such high-profile figures have drawn widespread condemnation from civil rights groups and political analysts.
“This is where our democracy has reached,” Mr Obi remarked while inspecting the damage. “We cannot have a country where officials and citizens are terrorised while engaging in peaceful political assembly.”
The Edo State Police Command has confirmed the disturbances at the secretariat, noting that patrol teams were deployed to restore order. While no arrests had been confirmed at the time of publication, law enforcement officers remain at the scene conducting forensic investigations into the gunfire at the Odigie-Oyegun residence.
Political stakeholders across the spectrum have called for an immediate and transparent inquiry to ensure those responsible are brought to justice, amid concerns that unchecked violence could derail the democratic process in the region.
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