Olumide Akpata, a former Labour Party governorship candidate, has revealed that he and Peter Obi received separate intelligence warnings about a potential attack on their political event venue in Benin City, Edo State.
The attack occurred at the African Democratic Congress (ADC) secretariat, where Akpata was formally joining the party.
Akpata described the venue as “a very tight building, narrow building, and even a stampede would be dangerous”.
According to Akpata, they received the warnings as the event was underway and quickly concluded the program to avoid any harm.
Shortly after they left, gunmen attacked the secretariat and later trailed them to John Odigie-Oyegun’s residence, where they opened fire, damaging vehicles and causing panic.
“I was clearly in harm’s way, along with several others. We were at risk yesterday in Benin,” he said on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Wednesday.
“Fortunately, thanks to the swift actions of security personnel on ground, what could have turned into a very serious incident was prevented.
“As the programme progressed, we received reliable information that the venue would shortly come under attack. I got the information independently, and Mr. Obi did as well. We were advised to quickly wrap up the event to avoid a potential crisis.
“We informed everyone that due to the development, we would reconvene at Chief Oyegun’s residence to address the press. It was a quick decision because circumstances had changed. There was no time for a proper press briefing. Anything could have happened,” he explained.
Following the incident, the Edo State Government called for a police investigation.
Governor Monday Okpebholo condemned the attack and assured that those responsible would be brought to justice.
