Suspected thugs attack ADC secretariat in Edo, attempt to set building ablaze

Tension gripped parts of Benin City on Wednesday night after suspected political thugs reportedly attacked the Edo State secretariat of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), allegedly attempting to set the building on fire.

The incident occurred at the party’s office located on Ogbelaka Street, where the attackers were said to have stormed the premises under the cover of darkness.

Sources revealed that the assailants vandalised the property, smashing windows and causing significant damage to the secretariat. However, their attempt to burn down the structure reportedly failed due to resistance from residents and quick intervention by people in the neighbourhood.

Eyewitnesses said the disturbance drew attention in the area, forcing the attackers to flee before further destruction could take place.

A video that has since gone viral on social media shows a man narrating the incident, alleging that the group had tried to ignite the building before escaping.

The Edo State chairman of the ADC, Kennedy Odion, confirmed the attack, stating that the suspected thugs came with the intention of setting the building ablaze.

He said, “They destroyed all the windows and other items in the building before ADC sympathisers in the area came to the rescue.”

Odion further alleged that the attackers arrived with a 10-litre container of fuel, insisting their mission was to burn the secretariat.

According to him, “Some politicians want the ADC to leave the state so that no other political party will contest the 2027 election with them.”

“Elections are a democratic process that requires participation by all. There is freedom of association, which is still in force, and nobody can be forced to join a political party of another person’s choice,” he added.

He said the incident had been reported to security agencies and urged them to track down those responsible and bring them to justice.

Confirming the development, the spokesperson of the Edo State Police Command, Eno Ikoedem, said the incident was reported at about 8 p.m. on Wednesday.

She said police operatives were immediately dispatched to the scene to restore calm, adding that a preliminary assessment showed malicious damage to party flags and two shattered windows at the premises.

According to her, security personnel have been stationed in the area to prevent further attacks, while investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend those behind the incident.