Attack on ADC Secretariat in Edo by Suspected Thugs

Hoodlums presumed to be linked to political factions reportedly assaulted the secretariat of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Edo State late Wednesday night, aiming to ignite a fire at the facility.

Witnesses reported that the intruders broke windows and caused destruction to various items at the location on Ogbelaka Street, Benin City. Their attempt to set the building ablaze was thwarted thanks to prompt reactions from the local community.

A video circulating online depicts a man recounting the events, asserting that the attackers attempted to burn down the ADC secretariat before escaping the scene.

Kennedy Odion, the chairman of the ADC in Edo, corroborated the incident, confirming that the assailants had intended to torch the building.

He stated, “They shattered all the windows and vandalized other items within the premises before ADC supporters in the vicinity intervened.”

Odion further alleged that the attackers were armed with a 10-litre jerrycan of fuel, emphasizing that their goal was indeed to incinerate the secretariat.

According to him, “Some politicians want the ADC to vacate the state, ensuring that no other political party can contest the 2027 elections against them.”

He emphasized the democratic nature of elections that insists on broad participation. “Freedom of association is a constitutional right, and no one can compel others to join a political party against their will,” he asserted.

Odion noted that reports of the incident have been submitted to security agencies, appealing for swift action to identify and hold accountable the culprits.

Eno Ikoedem, the spokesperson for the Edo State Police Command, verified the occurrence, stating that police were notified of the attack around 8 p.m. on Wednesday.

She reported that law enforcement agents were quickly dispatched to restore order, revealing that initial assessments indicated intentional damage, including the destruction of party flags and two broken windows.

Ikoedem added that additional security personnel have been stationed in the area to avert any future attacks, with inquiries ongoing to track down those responsible for the violence.