Oyegun Questions Police Response To Benin Attack

National Leader of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), John Odigie-Oyegun, on Friday cast doubts on the willingness or ability of security agencies to apprehend gunmen who attacked the party’s secretariat and his residence in Benin, Edo State on Tuesday.

Odigie-Oyegun spoke at his residence after a meeting of the party’s South-South zonal leadership committee.

Responding to questions from journalists, the former Edo State governor said he was uncertain whether any arrests had been made in connection with the incident, describing the development as disturbing.

“I am not sure if an arrest has been made. I am also not sure if an arrest will be made considering the nature of the event,” he said.

“Imagine people bearing arms in broad daylight; they were seen, and up till now no one has been arrested. It was security agencies that hinted us of a possible attack, which made us quickly round off our programme. We had barely arrived at my residence when news came that the secretariat had been attacked by armed thugs.

“If we had still been at the secretariat when the attack occurred, we might not be here speaking today.”

Despite the incident, Odigie-Oyegun maintained that the ADC remained prepared for the January elections.

He, however, called on the government to ensure a peaceful political atmosphere and to discourage violence in the build-up to the polls.

He expressed confidence in the party’s growing acceptance among Nigerians, saying the ADC was formed in response to popular demand.

“With what is happening in our nation, an emergency rescue is needed. As a party, we will ensure that Nigerians remain the crux of governance,” he added.

The ADC chieftain also urged leaders and members in the South-South zone to close ranks, work in unity and draw from one another’s experience to strengthen the party’s structure in the region.

Meanwhile, former Governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Amaechi, used the occasion to announce his intention to contest the presidency in next year’s election, declaring his readiness to offer leadership at the national level.