Nigerian Police Confirm Hoodlums Disrupted ADC Event In Benin, Probe Gunshots At Oyegun’s Residence.
In a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eno Ikoedem, the Command said the disturbance occurred at about 1455hrs during a political programme at the African Democratic Congress (ADC) State Secretariat located at Ogbelaka Street, off Sapele Road, Benin City.
According to the police, the incident happened shortly after the official conclusion of the event when most dignitaries had already departed the venue.
The statement read, “At about 1455hrs, during political activities at the African Democratic Congress (ADC) State Secretariat located at Ogbelaka Street, off Sapele Road, Benin City, some hoodlums allegedly infiltrated the gathering and caused panic which led to a stampede at the end of the occasion, shortly after the programme was officially concluded, and most dignitaries had departed the venue."
The Command disclosed that the suspected hoodlums created commotion, chased members away, and vandalised items at the venue.
“The hoodlums were said to have caused commotion, chased members away and threw the furniture at the venue upside down,” ASP Ikoedem stated.
Police patrol teams were immediately deployed following a distress call, but the attackers reportedly fled upon sighting the operatives.
“Police patrol teams swiftly responded to the distress call, but the hoodlums fled upon sighting operatives. Plastic chairs and canopies that were arranged and kept on the road outside the premises of the secretariat for the event were vandalised and damaged,” the statement added.
The Command clarified that no deaths were recorded during the incident. However, one woman sustained injuries during the stampede.
“No casualties were recorded. However, during the ensuing stampede, one woman sustained injuries not related to gunfire. She was promptly treated at a nearby chemist and has since been discharged,” the police confirmed.
Security has since been reinforced around the ADC State Secretariat and surrounding areas to prevent further breakdown of law and order.
In a related development, the police also confirmed receiving a distress report at about 1548hrs alleging that gunshots were heard at the residence of the ADC State Chairman and former Executive Governor of Edo State, Chief John Odigie Oyegun.
Upon arrival at the residence of John Odigie Oyegun, officers reportedly observed signs of malicious damage.
“At about 1548hrs, the Command received a distress report alleging that gunshots were heard at the residence of the ADC State Chairman and former Executive Governor of Edo State, Chief John Odigie Oyegun.
"Upon arrival at the residence, Police operatives observed signs of malicious damage. Items reportedly destroyed included two rear windscreens and body parts of vehicles parked outside the residence. No casualty was recorded at the residence” the statement said.
The Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, has ordered a full-scale investigation into both incidents, with a directive to identify, apprehend, and prosecute those responsible.
“The Commissioner of Police Edo State Command, Monday Agbonika, has ordered the commencement of a full-scale investigation into the incidents with a view to identifying, apprehending, and prosecuting the perpetrators,” the Command stated.
Reiterating its neutrality and commitment to democratic principles, the police warned against acts of political violence, stressing that adequate security would be provided for all political actors, regardless of party affiliation.
“The Command reiterates its commitment to ensuring adequate security for all political stakeholders, irrespective of party affiliation, and warns that acts of political violence will not be tolerated under any guise."
The police further urged residents to remain calm and law-abiding while assisting security agencies with credible information.
"Members of the public are urged to remain calm and provide useful information that can aid ongoing investigations.
"Further developments will be communicated as investigations progress. Meanwhile political party leaders have been invited to a meeting with the Commissioner of police to discuss the need for enhanced peaceful political activities in the state henceforth," ASP Ikoedem added.
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