By John Dike, Osogbo
Leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Edo State have reportedly escaped death after suspected political thugs opened fire on their convoy in Igueben Local Government Area of the state.
The incident, which occurred on Tuesday, allegedly 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), allegedly led by the Chairman of Igueben Local Government Council, Endurance Azemegbe.
A party supporter identified as Jerry Oliha, from Ward 6, was reportedly shot at the premises of the Enogie of Igueben and rushed to the Irrua Specialist Hospital for treatment.
The ADC said the incident was the third alleged attack on its members within the local government, following earlier shootings in Wards 4 and 5.
In a statement by its State Publicity Secretary, Chris Ojeikere, the party alleged that the latest incident was part of a wider pattern of attacks against opposition members and facilities across Edo State.
The party cited alleged similar incidents in Etsako East, Owan West and Owan East, while also linking the development to the rising political tension in the state.
The ADC further referred to a separate controversy involving comments attributed to the APC State Chairman, Jarrett Tenebe, concerning the use of AK-47 rifles against perceived political opponents.
However, Azemegbe denied involvement in the alleged attack, 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,” he said, adding that he would investigate the matter.
The council chairman described the people of Igueben as peaceful and said he could not comment on an incident he had no knowledge of.
The Edo State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eno Ikoedem, also said the command could not immediately confirm the alleged shooting.
He, however, said the police would intervene once a formal report was made.
The latest incident came 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 operatives broke his father’s gate and fired shots during the operation.
The Edo State Government, however, rejected the abduction claim, stating that Pa Joseph was arrested by the police in connection with a petition.
The police subsequently confirmed that the elderly man was taken in connection with a petition and was later released.
The two developments have heightened concerns over the political atmosphere in Edo State as parties and their candidates prepare for the 2027 general elections.
I kept the claims of political involvement and responsibility attributed to the ADC and the police/government responses separate, so the report does not present unverified allegations as established facts.
