The entourage of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) Edo Central Senatorial candidate, Herberta Okonofua, and former governorship aspirant, Kenneth Imasuangbon, allegedly came under attack by suspected political thugs in Igueben Local Government Area of Edo State on Tuesday.

A supporter of the party, identified as Jerry Oliha, was reportedly shot during the incident and rushed to Irrua Specialist Hospital, where he was said to be receiving treatment.

The ADC alleged that the attackers were political loyalists linked to the ruling party and claimed they were led by the chairman of the Igueben Local Government Council.

The incident occurred while ADC leaders and supporters were engaged in political activities in the area.

According to the party, it was the third time the entourage had allegedly come under gunfire within the local government, following earlier incidents in Wards 4 and 5.

In a statement issued by the party’s Edo State Publicity Secretary, Chris Ojeikere, the ADC described the incident as part of what it called a growing pattern of attacks against opposition members and facilities across the state.

Ojeikere alleged that the latest attack occurred at the premises of the Enogie of Igueben, where Oliha, an ADC Ward 6 supporter, was allegedly shot.

He said the victim was taken to Irrua Specialist Hospital, adding that medical personnel were battling to save his life.

According to Ojeikere, “The hoodlum shot fatally at a young man, Jerry Oliha, from ADC Ward 6, at the premises of the Enogie of Igueben.”

He further alleged that the incident was the third shooting involving the ADC entourage in Igueben, following attacks allegedly recorded in Ward 4 and subsequently Ward 5.

The ADC also alleged that similar incidents had occurred in other parts of Edo State, including Etsako East, Owan West and Owan East, describing the developments as evidence of an emerging pattern of political violence against opposition groups.

Ojeikere said the party would issue a comprehensive report on what it described as the “policy of violence” allegedly being perpetrated against its members, while noting that the Divisional Police Officer in Igueben had been informed of the incident.

However, the Chairman of Igueben Local Government Council, Endurance Azemegbe, denied any involvement in the alleged attack.

Azemegbe, who said he was not in Igueben when the incident occurred, told journalists that he only became aware of the allegation when contacted.

“I was not around and I don’t know what happened. I am just hearing this from you. I can assure you that I will investigate the matter,” he said.

He added, “I can’t say anything about what I didn’t know. The thing is strange to me. We are peaceful people and brothers in Igueben.”

The incident comes amid heightened political tension in Edo State. It also follows reports that the All Progressives Congress (APC) State Chairman, Jarrett Tenebe, recently threatened to deploy AK-47 rifles against perceived opponents in connection with the party’s campaign to secure 2.5 million votes for President Bola Tinubu.

The reported shooting has renewed concerns about the safety of political actors and supporters ahead of future political activities in the state.

Meanwhile, the Edo State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eno Ikoedem, said the command had not immediately confirmed the incident.

Ikoedem said the police would intervene and investigate the matter once a formal report was made to the command.