Gunmen Attack ADC Convoy in Edo, One Injured

From Ebohon Joan

Tension rose in Edo State on Tuesday after gunmen reportedly attacked a convoy of African Democratic Congress (ADC) leaders during a political engagement in Igueben Local Government Area.

Among those in the convoy were former ADC governorship aspirant Kenneth Imasuangbon and the party’s Edo Central senatorial candidate, Hon. Herberta Okonofua. They reportedly escaped the attack unharmed.

An ADC supporter, identified as Jerry Oliha, was allegedly hit by a bullet during the incident and taken to Irrua Specialist Hospital for medical attention.

The party claimed the attack was carried out by suspected political thugs allegedly linked to the All Progressives Congress (APC). It further accused the Chairman of Igueben Local Government Council, Hon. Endurance Azemegbe, of leading the attackers.

According to the ADC, Tuesday’s incident was not an isolated occurrence, alleging that its team had earlier come under attack in Wards 4 and 5 while moving around the local government.

The party’s State Publicity Secretary, Chris Ojeikere, said the latest incident occurred at the premises of the Enogie of Igueben, where Oliha was allegedly shot.

Ojeikere described the incident as part of what the party considers a growing pattern of attacks against its members and supporters across Edo State. He also referenced alleged incidents in Etsako East, Owan West and Owan East.

The ADC said the police had been notified and called for attention to what it described as increasing political violence ahead of the 2027 elections.

Azemegbe, however, rejected the allegation that he was involved in the attack.

Speaking when contacted, the council chairman said he was not in Igueben when the incident occurred and had only learnt about it from journalists.

“I was not around and I don’t know what happened. I am just hearing this from you,” Azemegbe said, adding that he would investigate the matter.

He described the allegation as strange and maintained that residents of Igueben were peaceful and regarded themselves as brothers.

The Edo State Police Command also said it had yet to independently confirm the incident.

The command’s Public Relations Officer, ASP Eno Ikoedem, said the police would intervene once a formal complaint was made.

The reported attack comes amid heightened political activity in Edo as parties begin positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 general elections.