ADC LEADERS ESCAPE ATTACK AS GUNMEN OPEN FIRE ON CONVOY IN EDO

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The African Democratic Congress Edo Central Senatorial candidate, Herberta Okonofua, former governorship aspirant Kenneth Imasuangbon and other party members reportedly escaped unhurt when suspected political thugs opened fire on their convoy in Igueben Local Government Area of Edo State.

A party supporter, identified as Jerry Oliha, was reportedly shot during the incident and rushed to the Irrua Specialist Hospital for treatment.

The incident allegedly occurred on Tuesday during political engagements by ADC leaders in the area.

In a statement issued by its State Publicity Secretary, Chris Ojeikere, the ADC alleged that the attackers were political loyalists led by the chairman of the local government.

Ojeikere alleged that the assailants attacked the entourage of Imasuangbon and Okonofua at the premises of the Enogie of Igueben.

He said Oliha, an ADC Ward 6 supporter, sustained gunshot wounds and was taken to the Irrua Specialist Hospital, where he was receiving treatment.

According to the party, the incident was the third alleged attack on the entourage within the local government, following earlier shootings in Wards 4 and 5.

Ojeikere said the party would issue a comprehensive report on what it described as a pattern of violence against opposition members and facilities in the state.

He also said the Divisional Police Officer in Igueben had been informed of the incident.

The ADC further alleged that similar attacks had been recorded in Etsako East, Owan West and Owan East Local Government Areas.

The latest allegation comes amid heightened political tension in the state following a reported statement by All Progressives Congress State Chairman, Jarrett Tenebe, about deploying AK-47 rifles against perceived opponents in the party’s bid to deliver 2.5 million votes to President Bola Tinubu.

However, the Igueben Local Government Council Chairman, Endurance Azemegbe, denied involvement in the alleged attack.

Azemegbe said he was not in Igueben when the incident occurred and only heard about it from journalists.

“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,” he said.

He added, “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.”

Meanwhile, the Edo State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eno Ikoedem, said she could not immediately confirm the incident.

She added that the command would investigate the matter once a formal report was made.