BENIN CITY – The Edo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has strongly condemned an attack on its members and lawyers by alleged thugs linked to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at the Edo State Governorship Election Tribunal premises on Monday. The APC claims the incident is part of a series of orchestrated assaults by the PDP, further heightening tensions surrounding the state’s election dispute.
In a statement issued shortly after the incident, APC Chairman in Edo State, Emperor Jarret Tenebe, described the attack as “unacceptable and condemnable.” He stated that the violence occurred while the tribunal was in session, leaving several APC members and lawyers representing various parties injured and unprepared for the assault.
According to the statement, the assailants, allegedly wearing T-shirts and caps branded with the name of Asue Ighodalo, a prominent PDP figure, arrived at the tribunal premises armed with dangerous weapons, including battle axes and bottles. The attackers reportedly caused chaos and injuries without resistance from police officers present at the scene.
“These thugs brazenly took over the court premises and surrounding streets, wielding weapons against our members who had not provoked any confrontation,” Tenebe stated. “Several of our members and lawyers were injured, while the police failed to act decisively to stop the violence.”
Tenebe further linked the attack to a previous violent incident at the Benin City Airport exit gate, where PDP agents allegedly killed Inspector Akor Onu. He argued that the lack of prosecution in that case has emboldened further acts of aggression.
“Despite our repeated efforts to alert the authorities ahead of this attack, the police ignored our warnings, leading to these senseless acts of violence,” Tenebe said. “We cannot allow our members to remain targets of such impunity.”
In response, Tenebe warned that the APC might not maintain its restraint during future tribunal sessions. He emphasized that the party would take all necessary measures to protect its members and hold those responsible for the violence accountable.
“We have identified some of the perpetrators of this attack, and we will ensure they face justice,” Tenebe declared. “We are also committed to seeking justice for Inspector Akor Onu, whose killers remain at large.”
The APC called on security agencies to take immediate action to prevent further violence and ensure the safety of all stakeholders involved in the tribunal proceedings.
