Police Probe Attack On ADC Chieftains In Edo As Owie Denies Involvement

The Edo State Police Command has commenced investigation into Tuesday’s attacks on the State Secretariat of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Benin City and the residence of a national leader of the party, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun.

The incidents occurred shortly after leaders of the party, including the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi, received the LP’s 2024 governorship candidate in Edo State, Olumide Akpata, into the ADC.

Suspected hoodlums were said to have stormed the ADC Secretariat while a meeting was ongoing. Although the gathering was reportedly proceeding peacefully, security operatives allegedly alerted party leaders that an attack was imminent.

The attackers later moved to the residence of former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), John Odigie-Oyegun, who was said to be hosting some of the visiting dignitaries at the time. Vehicles parked outside his residence were vandalised, with some riddled with bullets.

When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Eno Ikoedem, confirmed that investigation had commenced.

“Investigation has already been started by the police. No arrest has been made as at now, and we will communicate to you as investigation progresses,” she said.

Meanwhile, a chieftain of the ADC and former Chief Whip of the Senate, Rowland Owie, has distanced himself from the attacks.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, Owie denied any involvement in the violence, describing allegations linking him to the incidents as false and malicious.

“In all my political life since 1979, when I was first elected into the House of Representatives, I have never been involved in violent politics. I have built a career on dialogue, legislative integrity, and service. I would not begin to tarnish a four-decade legacy now,” he said.

He added that it was illogical to insinuate that he would sponsor an attack on a gathering attended by party leaders and respected political figures.

“To suggest I would sponsor an attack on a gathering where my own brother, Chief Oyegun, and respected colleagues like Peter Obi were present is not just a lie—it is an insult to the intelligence of the Edo people,” he stated.

The attack is believed to be connected to an internal rift within the party, following protests on Monday by some ADC chieftains over their alleged exclusion from a meeting held at Odigie-Oyegun’s residence.

As of press time, no arrests had been made, while tension reportedly remained high within the party’s ranks in the state.