Alleged Assassination Plot: Attack on Obi, ADC Leaders in Benin Raises Fresh Security Concerns- Tanko
Spokesperson of the Obidient Movement, Dr Yunusa Tanko, has described Tuesday’s attack on former presidential candidate Peter Obi and other chieftains of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Benin City as a “clear indication of an assassination attempt.”
Tanko, who spoke on Channels Television on Wednesday, alleged that armed men launched coordinated attacks at multiple locations where party leaders and supporters had gathered.
According to him, the first incident occurred at the ADC Secretariat in Benin, where members had assembled ahead of a scheduled political engagement.
“The armed men stormed the Secretariat and disrupted the event. It was clearly not a random act. They knew where we were and what they wanted to achieve,” Tanko said.
He explained that following the initial attack, party leaders and supporters relocated to the residence of former Governor of Edo State, John Oyegun, in search of safety.
“Shockingly, the same gunmen traced us to Chief Oyegun’s residence. They opened fire again, spraying bullets indiscriminately before security personnel attached to our leaders responded. It was at that point that the hoodlums fled,” he stated.
Tanko said video footage from the scene showed expended bullet shells, visible gunshots on the gate of the residence, and bullet impact marks on Obi’s vehicle.
“The evidence is there for Nigerians to see. The bullet holes on the vehicle and the spent cartridges recovered from the scene are not fabrications. This was a deliberate and calculated attack,” he added.
The Obidient Movement spokesperson also referenced what he described as earlier threats allegedly made by the Edo State governor, noting that the state government bears constitutional responsibility for the protection of lives and property, irrespective of political affiliations.
“It is the primary duty of any governor to safeguard all residents within the state. Political differences must never translate into violence or threats to life,” Tanko asserted.
While refraining from making direct accusations, he maintained that the incident raised serious concerns requiring thorough investigation.
“We are not quick to point fingers, but when threats are issued publicly and shortly after bullets start flying at opposition figures, Nigerians deserve answers,” he said.
Despite the incident, Tanko insisted that neither Obi nor the ADC leadership would be intimidated.
“This movement is driven by the Nigerian people. No amount of gunfire or intimidation can silence the call for a better nation,” he said.
He further recalled previous attacks on members of the movement in different parts of the country, describing the trend as dangerous to Nigeria’s democratic culture.
“There have been attacks before. We have lost supporters in the past to politically motivated violence. We condemn this growing culture of incivility and brigandage in our politics,” he stated.
Tanko called on security agencies to conduct a comprehensive investigation and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.
“We are law-abiding citizens. We believe in democracy, not violence. The security agencies must rise to the occasion and ensure that the perpetrators are identified and prosecuted,” he said.
However, in another segment of the programme on Channels Television, a media aide to the Edo State governor denied any involvement by the state government in the attack.
The aide attributed the incident to internal disagreements among interest groups within the ADC, alleging that tensions had emerged during a party event held a day earlier. He also dismissed claims that cult-related activities persist in the state, maintaining that the government remains committed to maintaining law and order.
EDITOR
Sam Udekwe is a journalist working in the News and Current Affairs department, Enugu State Broadcasting Service (ESBS) Enugu. He is well trained in all genres of journalistic venture.
Mr Sam read Mass Communication, graduating all with Distinction in National Diploma, Higher National Diploma and Postgraduate Diploma at IMT, Enugu and Madonna University, Okija, Anambra state, as well as M.Sc Mass Communication with Second Class(Upper Division) at National Open University of Nigeria.
He is the immediate past NUJ Chairman, Enugu state.
samowailo@gmail.com
