The petition, dated October 8, 2026 was addressed to the Commissioner of Police, Edo State Command while copies where made to the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu and the Director of DSS. The petitioners called for an impartial investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the October 6 incident and identify those responsible.
They alleged that an ADC supporter, identified as Jerry Oliha, sustained serious gunshot injuries during the incident and was rushed to Irrua Specialist Hospital for emergency treatment.
They also alleged that campaign canopies, chairs, musical equipment and other materials were destroyed during the attack.
According to the petitioners, members of their entourage had earlier encountered confrontations at different locations, including Wards 4 and 5, before what they described as the most serious incident occurred at the premises of the Enogie of Igueben.
In the petition they alleged that armed men opened fire during the incident, resulting in Oliha being shot, while other members of the campaign team and supporters were also allegedly attacked.
Imasuangbon and Okonofua urged the security agencies to conduct a comprehensive investigation and establish the facts surrounding the incident.
A major part of their petition centred on the alleged use of two Sienna buses during the incident.
The petitioners urged the police and DSS to identify the vehicles, trace their ownership and movements and determine whether they were used to convey persons allegedly involved in the attack.
They further requested an investigation into their allegation that the number plates of the vehicles were subsequently removed and that the vehicles or the removed number plates were taken to a property allegedly associated with the Chairman of Igueben Local Government Area, Mr. Endurance Azemegbe. Though the council chairman denied any involvement
The petitioners also asked the security agencies to investigate an allegation that Azemegbe may have personally led, coordinated, directed or facilitated the alleged attack.
They, however, stated that the allegation was being presented strictly as a matter for investigation and should not be construed as a conclusion of guilt.
They urged investigators to examine the chairman’s movements and communications, as well as his alleged associations and any possible links to persons suspected of involvement in the incident.
The petitioners also provided investigators with the names of several individuals they said had been mentioned in connection with the attack.
Those named included Godday Ihensekhien, popularly known as Ojolor; Bako, reportedly from Okalo; Edosa, reportedly from Eguare; Elenbalu Mala, also known as Otale; Oriabure, reportedly from Idumowu; and an individual identified as GSM.
They stressed that the inclusion of the names was not an assertion that the individuals were guilty, but was intended to assist the security agencies in establishing or disproving any alleged involvement.
They further called for the preservation and forensic examination of available evidence, including bullet casings and projectiles allegedly recovered from the scene, medical records relating to the injured supporter, photographs, video recordings, CCTV footage, vehicle records and other electronic evidence that could assist the investigation.
They also called for an urgent security assessment of the situation, warning that failure to properly investigate the incident could heighten concerns about the safety of political actors and supporters participating in lawful political activities.
The petitioners urged the police and DSS to determine whether the October 6 incident was an isolated confrontation or connected to previous threats and incidents allegedly involving members of their political camp.
They requested adequate security protection for themselves, campaign officials and supporters during lawful political engagements in the area.
“We remain committed to pursuing our political activities through constitutional and democratic means,” the petitioners said, urging the security agencies to act promptly, impartially and professionally to establish the facts, protect lives and property and prevent further violence.
They also appealed for the investigation to be conducted without political interference, saying that establishing the truth surrounding the incident would help promote peace and protect the integrity of Nigeria’s democratic process.
