Police authorities in Edo State have confirmed an attack by hoodlums at the African Democratic Congress (ADC) State Secretariat in Benin City, clarifying that the injured woman reported during the incident was not hit by gunfire.
In a press statement issued on Tuesday, the Edo State Police Command said the unrest occurred on February 24, 2026, during political activities at the ADC State Secretariat located on Ogbelaka Street, off Sapele Road, Benin City.
According to the Command, hoodlums allegedly infiltrated the gathering at about 2:55 p.m., causing panic shortly after the programme had officially ended and most dignitaries had left the venue.
The statement noted that the attackers created commotion, chased party members away and overturned furniture at the venue, leading to a stampede.
Police patrol teams were said to have swiftly responded to a distress call, but the suspects fled on sighting the operatives. Plastic chairs and canopies arranged outside the premises were vandalised and damaged during the incident.
The Command emphasized that no casualties were recorded. However, one woman sustained injuries during the stampede, stressing that the injury was not related to gunfire. She was treated at a nearby chemist and subsequently discharged.
Police further disclosed that security has been reinforced around the secretariat and adjoining areas to prevent any breakdown of law and order.
In a related development, the Command said it received another distress report at about 3:48 p.m. alleging that gunshots were heard at the residence of the ADC State Chairman and former Edo State governor, John Odigie Oyegun.
Upon arrival, operatives reportedly observed signs of malicious damage at the residence, including two shattered rear windscreens and other damaged vehicle parts. No casualty was recorded in the incident.
Edo State Commissioner of Police, CP Monday Agbonika, has ordered a full-scale investigation aimed at identifying, apprehending and prosecuting the perpetrators.
God have mercy 🥺
This is worrisome