The Edo State Police Command has commenced investigation into an alleged attack on chieftains of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) during a political gathering in Benin City, the Edo State capital.
The development followed claims by Yunusa Tanko, National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, that Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, and some ADC leaders were attacked on Tuesday.
Tanko had alleged in a post on X that the incident occurred at the residence of former Edo State governor, John Odigie-Oyegun.
Hoodlums ‘Infiltrated’ Event — Police
Reacting in a statement on Wednesday, the command’s spokesperson, Eno Ikodem, said suspected hoodlums infiltrated the political gathering at about 2:55 p.m., shortly after the event had ended and most dignitaries had departed.
“The hoodlums were said to have caused commotion, chased members away and threw the furniture at the venue upside down,” the statement read.
According to the police, patrol teams responded to distress calls but the suspects fled before operatives arrived at the scene.
Ikodem disclosed that plastic chairs and canopies arranged outside the secretariat for the event were vandalised.
One Woman Injured In Stampede
The command clarified that no casualties were recorded during the incident. However, one woman reportedly sustained injuries during the ensuing stampede.
“No casualties were recorded. However, during the ensuing stampede, one woman sustained injuries not related to gunfire. She was promptly treated at a nearby chemist and has since been discharged,” the statement added.
Gunshot Allegations Also Probed
In a related development, the police confirmed that they investigated reports of alleged gunshots around Odigie-Oyegun’s residence.
Operatives who visited the scene observed signs of malicious damage, including broken rear windscreens and damaged parts of vehicles parked outside the compound. Despite the destruction, no casualty was recorded at the residence.
The Commissioner of Police in Edo State, Monday Agbonika, has ordered what the command described as a “full-scale” investigation into the incidents.
The police assured that efforts are underway to identify, arrest and prosecute those responsible, reiterating that political stakeholders would be protected irrespective of party affiliation.
“Acts of political violence will not be tolerated under any guise,” the statement noted.
Party leaders across the state have also been invited to meet with the commissioner to deliberate on strategies to ensure peaceful political activities.
Residents were urged to remain calm and provide credible information to assist ongoing investigations.