(DDM) – Fresh details have emerged over the shooting incident that trailed a political gathering in Benin City, as former Labour Party governorship candidate, Olumide Akpata, described how gunmen allegedly opened fire near the residence of former APC National Chairman, John Odigie-Oyegun, forcing opposition leaders to seek cover.
Akpata spoke during an interview on Channels Television, where he recounted the sequence of events that unfolded after a political ceremony involving leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
According to him, he stood alongside former presidential candidate Peter Obi and other political figures when the situation escalated. He stated clearly that those present were in harm’s way.
Akpata explained that the gathering initially took place at the ADC Secretariat on Ogbelaka Street in Benin City. Prominent leaders, including Oyegun and former Edo State governor Oserheimen Osunbor, attended the event.
He said organisers received intelligence from what he described as reliable sources warning that unknown persons planned to attack the venue. He noted that both he and Obi were advised to conclude the programme quickly because the building was narrow and located in a densely populated area where panic could trigger a stampede.
The organisers hurriedly ended the event and encouraged supporters to disperse. Key leaders then relocated to Oyegun’s residence in Benin’s Government Reservation Area to address journalists.
Akpata said shortly after leaving the secretariat, distress calls began to arrive reporting that suspected attackers had stormed the venue and assaulted attendees. He revealed that his cousin narrowly escaped being struck by a bullet, which instead hit the floor and ricocheted.
He added that another relative sustained injuries after someone smashed a bottle on her head. He also disclosed that a DJ hired for the event was beaten and had his equipment destroyed, with a laptop reportedly stolen.
The situation intensified at Oyegun’s residence. Akpata recounted that while they prepared to depart for the airport with Obi, loud gunshots suddenly rang out near the premises.
Security operatives immediately moved the politicians indoors. Akpata described the gunfire as close and intense enough to pose a real threat to those gathered.
He alleged that gunmen carried out what he called a “double drive-by,” driving past the residence twice while firing before fleeing the scene. When security personnel later assessed the area, they reportedly found spent cartridges and vehicles with shattered windshields.
Akpata confirmed that no fatalities occurred but acknowledged that several individuals sustained injuries during the earlier attack at the secretariat. He said victims were receiving medical attention.
The incident adds to mounting political tension in Edo State, where supporters of the ADC and the Obidient Movement have accused elements within the All Progressives Congress of attempting to disrupt opposition activities.
As of the latest updates, authorities have not released a detailed official account of the shooting.
The unfolding events underscore Nigeria’s increasingly charged political atmosphere, where security concerns, party rivalries, and public safety continue to collide ahead of future electoral contests.
