ADC Alleges Attack On Leaders’ Convoy In Edo

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has alleged that suspected political thugs attacked the convoy of some of its leaders in Igueben Local Government Area of Edo State on Tuesday.

The party noted that the attack left a member with gunshot injuries.

Among those in the convoy were former governorship aspirant Kenneth Imasuangbon and the party’s Edo Central senatorial candidate, Hon. Herberta Okonofua.

The ADC alleged that the attackers were loyalists of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and were led by the Igueben Local Government Council chairman, Hon. Endurance Azemegbe.

The party’s State Publicity Secretary, Chris Ojeikere, said in a statement that the attack occurred during the party leaders’ political engagements in the area.

He alleged that a supporter identified as Jerry Oliha was shot at the premises of the Enogie of Igueben and rushed to Irrua Specialist Hospital for treatment.

Ojeikere further alleged that the incident was the third attack on the entourage within the local government on Tuesday, following earlier shootings in Wards 4 and 5.

“The Igueben Local Government chairman has just led a team of gun-totting assailants to attack the entourage of Kenneth Imasuangbon and the Edo Central ADC senatorial candidate, Hon. Herberta Okonofua,” he said.

“The young man has been rushed to the Irrua Specialist Hospital, where doctors are battling to save his life. This shooting is the third time the entourage has been shot at today. First at Ward 4, and then at Ward 5 of the local government area.”

The ADC also alleged that similar incidents had been recorded in Etsako East, Owan West and Owan East local government areas.

However, Azemegbe denied involvement in the alleged attack, saying he was not in Igueben when the incident occurred.

“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. 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,” he said.

The Edo State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eno Ikoedem, said she could not immediately confirm the incident.

She added that the command would investigate the matter once a formal report was made.