The Edo State chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has alleged that suspected political thugs opened fire on the convoy of the party’s leaders in Igueben Local Government Area of the state on Tuesday, with a party supporter reportedly sustaining gunshot injuries.
The incident reportedly involved former ADC governorship aspirant Kenneth Imasuagbon, the party’s Edo Central senatorial candidate, Herberta Okonofua, and other party leaders who were in the area for political engagements.
The ADC alleged that the attackers were suspected supporters of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and were led by the Chairman of Igueben Local Government Council, Endurance Azemegbe.
According to the party, its supporter, identified as Jerry Oliha from Ward 6, was shot at the premises of the Enogie of Igueben and rushed to Irrua Specialist Hospital, where he was receiving treatment.
The party said Tuesday’s incident was the third alleged attack on the entourage within the local government, following earlier shootings in Wards 4 and 5.
In a statement by its State Publicity Secretary, Chris Ojeikere, the ADC alleged that the incident was part of a wider pattern of attacks against opposition members and facilities across the state, citing similar incidents in Etsako East, Owan West and Owan East.
The party also alleged that the incident occurred amid rising political tension in Edo, coming shortly after a separate controversy involving comments attributed to APC State Chairman, Jarrett Tenebe, over the use of AK-47s against perceived political opponents.
Azemegbe, however, denied involvement in the alleged shooting, 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, also said the command could not immediately confirm the incident, adding that the police would intervene once a formal report was made.
HERALDSUN reports that the latest incident comes amid another political controversy involving the Edo State ADC.
Earlier on Tuesday, the party’s Edo South senatorial candidate, Matthew Iduoriyekemwen, alleged that his 90-year-old father, Pa Joseph Iduoriyekemwen, was abducted from his residence in the early hours of the day.
Iduoriyekemwen alleged that the operation was led by the Chief Security Officer to Governor Monday Okpebholo and claimed that his family was initially given conflicting information about where his father was being taken.
He also alleged that the operatives broke his father’s gate and fired shots during the operation.
The Edo State Government, however, stated that the incident was not an abduction by unknown gunmen but an arrest by the police, while faulting the manner of the pre-dawn operation.
The police said Pa Joseph was taken in connection with a petition and was subsequently released.
