The African Democratic Congress (ADC) Edo Central Senatorial candidate, Herberta Okonofua, along with former governorship aspirant Kenneth Imasuangbon and other party members, reportedly escaped death on Tuesday when suspected political thugs fired at their convoy in Igueben Local Government Area of Edo State.
The ADC claimed that the attackers, believed to be political loyalists of the party, were led by a certain LG boss.
A party supporter known as Jerry Oliha reportedly suffered gunshot wounds in the attack.
The incident, which is said to have taken place during the ADC leaders’ political activities in the area, was described as the third attack on the entourage within the local government, after earlier alleged shootings in Wards 4 and 5.
This development has raised fresh worries about escalating political tension in Edo State, occurring just about a week after All Progressives Congress State Chairman Jarrett Tenebe was reported to have threatened to use AK-47 rifles against perceived opponents in the party’s effort to deliver 2.5 million votes to President Bola Tinubu.
In a statement released by its State Publicity Secretary, Chris Ojeikere, the ADC alleged that the most recent attack formed part of a broader trend of violence targeting opposition members and facilities in the state, pointing to similar incidents reportedly recorded in Etsako East, Owan West, and Owan East.
Ojeikere said, “The… has led a team of gun-toting assailants to attack the entourage of Kenneth Imasuangbon and the Edo Central ADC Senatorial candidate, Hon. Herberta Okonofua.
“The hoodlum shot fatally at a young man, Jerry Oliha, from ADC Ward 6, at the premises of the Enogie of Igueben.
“The young man was rushed to the Irrua Specialist Hospital, where doctors are battling to save his life. This shooting is the third time the entourage was shot, first at Ward 4 and then at Ward 5 of the local government area.”
He added, “ADC will come out with a comprehensive report on this unfortunate policy of violence of the APC shortly. The DPO of the Igueben Local Government Area has been informed and involved in the unfortunate incident.”
Nevertheless, when asked for comment, Endurance Azemegbe, the Chairman of Igueben Local Government Council, refuted any connection to the alleged attack, stating that he was not in Igueben at the time it happened and had only learned of it through 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.
“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,” he said.
ASP Eno Ikoedem, the Public Relations Officer for the Edo State Police, stated that she was unable to confirm the incident right away but noted that the command would step in once the matter was officially reported.
