Suspected thugs allegedly opened fire on the campaign train of the African Democratic Congress in Igueben Local Government Area of Edo State, leaving an ADC supporter with gunshot injuries.
The incident occurred on Tuesday during political engagements involving former governorship aspirant and ADC chieftain, Kenneth Imasuangbon, the party’s Edo Central senatorial candidate, Herbert Okonofua, and other leaders.
The ADC alleged that the attackers were led by the Chairman of Igueben LGA, Endurance Azemegbe, and accused suspected supporters of the ruling All Progressives Congress of targeting its members.
The party’s State Publicity Secretary, Chris Ojeikere, identified the injured supporter as Jerry Oliha, saying he was shot at the premises of the Enogie of Igueben and rushed to the Irrua Specialist Hospital, where he was receiving treatment.
Ojeikere alleged that Tuesday’s incident was the third time the ADC entourage had come under attack in the local government, following alleged shootings in Wards 4 and 5.
“The Igueben Local Government Chairman has just led a team of gun-tottering assailants to attack the entourage of Kenneth Imasuangbon and the Edo Central ADC Senatorial candidate, Hon. Herbert Okonofua,” Ojeikere said.
He alleged that the attack formed part of a wider pattern of violence against ADC members and facilities in Etsako East, Owan West and Owan East local government areas.
The latest incident has heightened concerns over political violence in Edo ahead of the 2027 elections, coming days after reports that the APC State Chairman, Jarrett Tenebe, threatened to deploy AK-47 rifles against perceived opponents while campaigning for 2.5 million votes for President Bola Tinubu.
However, Azemegbe denied involvement in the attack, saying he was not in Igueben when the incident occurred.
“I was not around and I don’t know what happened. I am just hearing this from you. I can assure you that I will investigate the matter,” he said.
The council chairman described the allegation as strange and said the people of Igueben were peaceful.
The Edo State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eno Ikoedem, said the command could not immediately confirm the incident, adding that the police would intervene once a formal report was made.
