By Mick Oseji, Asaba
A coalition of civil society organisations in Edo State has alleged that the recent disturbance in Benin City was orchestrated to attract public sympathy for leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
The group said its independent investigation into last Tuesday’s incident revealed that former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, and a national leader of the party, John Odigie-Oyegun, were not victims of any assassination attempt as widely circulated.
According to reports, suspected thugs invaded the Edo ADC secretariat shortly after former Labour Party governorship candidate, Olumide Akpata, formally joined the party. The attackers allegedly vandalised property and caused panic in the area.
The same group was said to have moved to Chief Oyegun’s residence in the Government Reserved Area (GRA), where vehicles parked outside the compound were reportedly attacked.
However, the civil society coalition disputed claims that gunshots were fired or that any of the political leaders were directly targeted.
In a statement issued in Benin City and signed by Convener Braimoh Idris and Co-Convener Andrew Akhere, the coalition said it interviewed party members, eyewitnesses, and security personnel stationed at Oyegun’s residence.
The statement read in part:
“The event at the ADC secretariat had ended and all dignitaries, including journalists, had left before the so-called thugs stormed the venue. No gunshot was fired at the secretariat. Chief Oyegun and Peter Obi were inside a fortified residence when the incident occurred.
“Witnesses confirmed that stones were hurled at vehicles parked outside the residence. There was no evidence that either man was shot at or that an assassination attempt took place.”
The coalition further questioned the narrative that the leaders narrowly escaped death, asking why vehicles within the premises were not severely damaged if the attackers had used firearms.
It also noted that both leaders were accompanied by security escorts, raising questions about the absence of any reported exchange of gunfire.
Allegation of Political Motive
The group alleged that the incident may have been staged or exaggerated to create public sympathy and gain political advantage.
“Our investigation suggests that the ADC instigated the attacks to gain public sympathy,” the statement claimed.
“We want peace in Edo State. Political actors must play by the rules and avoid manufacturing crises where none exist,” it added.
The ADC had not officially responded to the coalition’s allegations.
