A reported assassination attempt targeting Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, and former All Progressives Congress National Chairman, John Odigie-Oyegun, has raised fresh security concerns in Benin City, Edo State. The incident allegedly occurred Tuesday at Odigie-Oyegun’s residence shortly after a political engagement in the state capital.
Eyewitness accounts and a viral video circulating online show the aftermath of the attack, including multiple vehicles damaged and the estate gate riddled with bullet holes. In the footage, Obi is heard explaining that the incident happened shortly after the group left the headquarters of the African Democratic Congress in the state.
Reacting to the development, Yunusa Tanko, National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, alleged that armed men trailed the delegation from the ADC Secretariat to Odigie-Oyegun’s residence. According to him, the assailants opened fire at the entrance gate and targeted official vehicles parked within the compound.
“The leadership of the ADC is under siege and attack in Benin, Edo State. Armed individuals followed us from the ADC Secretariat to the residence of Chief John Odigie-Oyegun and shot at the gate, destroying several vehicles,” Tanko stated.
He described the incident as a failed assassination attempt believed to be aimed at key figures within the party’s leadership. As of the time of filing this report, security agencies are yet to issue an official statement, leaving many questions unanswered and heightening political tension in the state.
