Tension in Benin as Obidient movement alleges attack on Peter Obi at ADC event

The National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, Yunusa Tanko, on Tuesday raised alarm over an alleged attack on former presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and members of the movement in Benin City, Edo State.

Tanko alleged that armed thugs opened fire during the formal defection of Olumide Akpata into the African Democratic Congress (ADC), an event attended by Obi and other political stakeholders.

In a terse statement titled “Breaking Red Alert in Benin, Edo State,” Tanko claimed that Obi and ADC leaders were placed under siege during the incident.

“PO and the leadership of the ADC are under siege and attack in Benin, Edo State,” the statement read.

According to him, the armed individuals allegedly trailed the delegation from the ADC Secretariat to the residence of former Edo State Governor, John Odigie-Oyegun, where the event was to continue.

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“They shot at the gate and destroyed several vehicles in what appears to be a survived assassination attempt on our lives. Democracy is in danger,” Tanko stated.

While details of casualties or injuries were not immediately available, the development has heightened tension within political circles in Edo State.

As of the time of filing this report, there was no official statement from the Edo State Police Command confirming the alleged attack. Authorities are yet to respond publicly to the claims.

The incident, if confirmed, could further inflame political tensions in the state, especially as alignments and realignments continue ahead of upcoming political activities. Stakeholders have called for calm and urged security agencies to investigate the allegations thoroughly to ensure accountability and safeguard democratic processes.