By Paul Joseph
The National Coordinator of the Obedient Movement, Yunusa Tanko, on Tuesday raised alarm over what he described as a violent attack on former presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and members of the movement in Benin, Edo State.
Tanko disclosed that armed thugs allegedly opened fire on Obi and members of the movement during the formal defection of former Labour Party governorship candidate, Olumide Akpata, into the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Benin City.
In a terse statement titled “Breaking Red Alert in Benin, Edo State,” Tanko claimed that Obi and the ADC leadership were attacked shortly after the event.
“PO and the leadership of the ADC are under siege and attack in Benin, Edo State,” Tanko stated.
According to him, the incident occurred as party leaders and supporters moved from the ADC Secretariat to the residence of former national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), John Odigie-Oyegun.
“At the formal declaration of Olumide Akpata into the African Democratic Congress, armed individuals followed us from the ADC Secretariat to the residence of Chief John Odigie-Oyegun,” Tanko said.
He alleged that the attackers shot at the gate of the residence and vandalized several vehicles parked within the premises.
“They shot at the gate and destroyed several vehicles in what appears to be a surviving assassination attempt on our lives. Democracy is in danger,” he added.
As of the time of filing this report, there was no official statement from security agencies in Edo State confirming the incident or announcing any arrests. Efforts to reach state police authorities for comments were ongoing.
The reported attack has heightened political tensions in the state, raising fresh concerns about the safety of political actors and supporters ahead of future political activities. Observers say the development underscores the growing volatility within Nigeria’s political landscape and the urgent need for strengthened security measures to safeguard democratic processes.
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