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By James<\/p>\n
Kindly share:<\/p>\n
Tension gripped parts of Benin City, Edo State, on Tuesday after an attack by suspected armed thugs disrupted a political gathering attended by former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and members of the Obidient Movement.<\/p>\n
The incident, which occurred during activities surrounding the formal defection of former governorship candidate Olumide Akpata to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has raised fresh concerns over political violence and the safety of opposition figures ahead of evolving political realignments in the country.<\/p>\n
The gathering in Benin was organized to mark Akpata\u2019s official declaration for the ADC, a move seen by political observers as part of broader coalition-building efforts among opposition forces. The event drew prominent political actors, including Obi, whose 2023 presidential bid energised a significant youth-driven support base popularly known as the Obidient Movement.<\/p>\n
According to the National Coordinator of the movement, Yunusa Tanko, the attack began shortly after the delegation departed the ADC Secretariat en route to the residence of former Edo State governor and ex-national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), John Odigie-Oyegun.<\/p>\n
Tanko alleged that unidentified armed individuals trailed the convoy and opened fire at the gate of the residence, damaging several vehicles in the process.<\/p>\n
He described the incident as a direct and dangerous assault on the lives of those present, claiming it appeared to be a targeted attack.<\/p>\n
Eyewitness accounts circulating in the aftermath suggested panic and confusion as attendees scrambled for safety. While no official confirmation of casualties had been released at the time of filing this report, party officials maintained that the attack was severe enough to constitute a major security breach.<\/p>\n
The development has triggered alarm within opposition circles, with supporters describing the incident as an escalation of political intimidation.<\/p>\n
Tanko, in a statement titled \u201cBreaking Red Alert in Benin, Edo State,\u201d warned that such acts threaten democratic engagement and peaceful political participation.<\/p>\n
As of press time, security agencies in Edo State had yet to issue a comprehensive statement detailing arrests or investigations. However, calls have intensified for an independent probe to identify and prosecute those responsible.<\/p>\n
The attack comes at a time when Nigeria\u2019s political landscape is experiencing renewed maneuvering among parties and aspirants ahead of future electoral contests. Analysts warn that rising tensions, if unchecked, could undermine public confidence in democratic processes.<\/p>\n
Observers say the incident underscores the urgent need for strengthened security at political events and a collective commitment by political actors to curb violence and inflammatory rhetoric.<\/p>\n
Further updates are expected as investigations unfold.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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