By Ayo Kehinde
The Edo State Government has countered allegations by former Anambra State governor and Labour Party figure, Peter Obi, that government officials attacked members of his political camp, as the Edo State Police Command confirmed incidents of unrest during African Democratic Congress (ADC) political activities in Benin City, Edo State.
In a statement signed on Wednesday by Patrick Akhere Ebojel, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, the state government described the allegations as false, malicious and a misrepresentation of facts, insisting that the administration neither authorised nor condoned attacks against any political group.
The government stated unequivocally that no directive was issued by the governor or any organ of government to target members of any political party, stressing that the Okpebholo administration remains committed to safeguarding all residents and visitors regardless of political affiliation.
According to the statement, the claims lacked credible evidence and appeared calculated to mislead the public and create unnecessary political tension. It added that earlier remarks by the governor concerning visits by politically exposed persons were purely security advisories issued in his capacity as the state’s Chief Security Officer, and not borne out of political hostility.
The government maintained that high-profile political actors are expected to notify relevant authorities ahead of major public engagements to allow adequate security coordination in the interest of public safety, describing attempts to portray such advisories as intimidation as misleading and politically motivated.
It also referenced an incident on February 23, involving a faction of the ADC led by former Senate Chief Whip, Roland Owie, who were reportedly denied access to a meeting at the residence of former Edo State governor, John Odigie-Oyegun, due to internal party disagreements, before police intervention restored calm.
The state government accused political actors of attempting to cast aspersions on its governance efforts and urged stakeholders to verify facts before making public statements capable of overheating the polity. It reiterated that its focus remains governance, public safety and economic development rather than political persecution.
Meanwhile, the Edo State Police Command confirmed that unrest occurred on February 24 during ADC political activities at the party’s state secretariat located on Ogbelaka Street, off Sapele Road, Benin City.
Police spokesperson, ASP Eno Ikoedem, disclosed that hoodlums allegedly infiltrated the gathering shortly after the programme ended, causing panic that resulted in a stampede as attendees dispersed. The attackers reportedly vandalised plastic chairs and canopies arranged outside the venue before fleeing upon sighting responding police patrol teams.
The Command said no casualties were recorded, although one woman sustained minor injuries during the stampede unrelated to gunfire and was treated at a nearby chemist before being discharged.
In a related development, police also received a distress report alleging gunshots at the residence of Odigie-Oyegun later the same day. Officers who arrived at the scene observed signs of malicious damage, including shattered rear windscreens and damaged parts of vehicles parked outside the residence. No injuries were recorded.
The Commissioner of Police, Edo State Command, CP Monday Agbonika, has ordered a full-scale investigation to identify and prosecute those responsible for the disturbances.
The police reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring security for all political stakeholders, irrespective of party affiliation and warned that acts of political violence would not be tolerated under any guise. Political party leaders have also been invited to a meeting with the Commissioner of Police to strengthen measures to ensure peaceful political activities in the state.
Authorities have urged residents to remain calm and provide useful information to assist ongoing investigations, while assuring that further developments would be communicated as inquiries progress.
