The Edo State Police Command has commenced investigation into an alleged attack on chieftains of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) during a political event in Benin City, the 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, in a post on X, alleged that the incident occurred at the residence of John Odigie-Oyegun, former governor of Edo State.
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 added that plastic chairs and canopies arranged outside the secretariat for the event were vandalised.
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.
In a related development, Ikodem disclosed that the command also 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 body parts of vehicles parked outside the compound.
Despite the damage, the police confirmed that 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 said efforts are underway to identify, arrest, and prosecute those responsible.
Reiterating its stance, the command assured that political stakeholders would be protected regardless of party affiliation.
“Acts of political violence will not be tolerated under any guise,” the statement noted.
The police also disclosed that leaders of political parties in the state have been invited to meet with the commissioner to deliberate on strategies for ensuring peaceful political activities.
Residents were urged to remain calm and provide credible information to assist the investigation.
