Suspected political thugs on Wednesday night attacked the Edo State Secretariat of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Benin City, attempting to set the building on fire.
According to reports, the hoodlums allegedly poured fuel in parts of the secretariat in a failed bid to raze the facility, before fleeing the scene.
Windows, Party Items Destroyed
A viral video circulating online showed the aftermath of the attack, with claims that the suspects tried to burn down the office but were resisted by residents in the area.
It was gathered that after failing to ignite the building, the attackers smashed windows and damaged other items at the secretariat located on Ogbelaka Street, Benin City.
ADC Chairman Reacts
Confirming the incident, the Edo State ADC Chairman, Kennedy Odion, said the attackers came with about 10 litres of fuel, insisting their goal was to force the party out of the state ahead of 2027.
“Some politicians want ADC to leave the state so that no other political party would contest the 2027 election apart from them,” Odion alleged.
He added that political participation is a constitutional right, stressing that no one should be forced into any political party.
Police Confirm Attack
The Edo State Police Command also confirmed the incident.
Spokesperson Eno Ikoedem said police received a report around 8:00 pm and immediately deployed operatives to restore order.
A preliminary assessment, she said, revealed malicious damage to flags and two shattered windows.
“Security has been deployed to the area to forestall further attacks while investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend those responsible,” she added.
