KEY POINTS
- Obidients says armed men attacked party leaders during political event in Benin.
- Gunmen reportedly opened fire near residence of a former APC chairman.
- Party raises alarm over safety of political actors and state of democracy.
MAIN STORY
Obidients has raised alarm over an alleged assassination attempt on former presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and other party leaders following an armed attack in Benin City, Edo State.
It was said the incident occurred shortly after the formal declaration of former governorship candidate, Olumide Akpata, into the ADC.
According to a statement Yunusa Tanko, a member of ADC and National Coordinator of Obidients Movement Worldwide, armed individuals allegedly trailed party leaders from the ADC Secretariat to the residence of former national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), John Odigie-Oyegun, where they reportedly opened fire at the residence
Yunusa said the attackers shot at the gate of the residence and damaged several vehicles during the incident, which it described as a “narrowly escaped assassination attempt.”
THE ISSUES
The Coordinator expressed concern over what it termed a growing threat to political participation and safety of opposition figures, warning that such incidents could undermine democratic processes.
It also noted that the attack, if confirmed, highlights security vulnerabilities surrounding political activities in the country.
WHAT’S BEING SAID
In its statement, the Yunusa Tanko described the incident as a “red alert,” claiming that party leaders, including Obi, were placed under siege during the attack.
“Armed individuals followed us from the ADC Secretariat to the residence of Chief John Odigie-Oyegun. They shot at the gate and destroyed vehicles in what appears to be a failed assassination attempt on our lives. Democracy is in danger,” He said.
WHAT’S NEXT
As of press time, security agencies had yet to issue an official statement on the incident, while calls were mounting for a full investigation to identify and apprehend those responsible.
BOTTOM LINE
The alleged attack has heightened political tension and renewed concerns about the safety of political actors, with stakeholders urging authorities to ensure adequate protection and uphold democratic stability.
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