A day after an attack on some African Democratic Congress (ADC) leaders in Edo State, including Peter Obi, former Nigerian Bar Association President Olumide Akpata recounted the events.
Akpata, the Labour Party’s (LP) former governorship candidate in Edo, said he and Obi separately received intelligence on Tuesday warning that their political event in Benin City was at risk of an attack.
“I was clearly in danger, along with others. Thankfully, thanks to the security personnel present, what could have been a serious incident was avoided,” he told Channels Television’s Politics Today on Wednesday.
LP members in Edo had gathered at the ADC Secretariat on Ogbelaka Street, Benin City, for a formal handover ceremony scheduled for 11 a.m. As the program unfolded, reliable sources alerted them that the venue could soon be attacked.
“We received separate warnings—both Mr. Obi and I—that unknown individuals might target the venue. We were advised to speed up the proceedings to prevent a possible crisis,” Akpata said.
He described the secretariat as a narrow, densely populated space where even a stampede could be dangerous. Consequently, the event was rushed, and the leaders were quickly moved.
“We decided to relocate to Chief Oyegun’s house to address the press, because the situation changed rapidly. There was no time for a proper briefing, and anything could have happened,” he added.
Shortly after they left, armed men attacked the secretariat. Akpata revealed that his cousin narrowly avoided being hit by a bullet.
Following the attack, the Edo State Government ordered a police investigation. Governor Monday Okpebholo condemned the incident, assuring that those responsible would face justice.
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