The Edo State office of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Benin City was reportedly attacked by suspected hoodlums on Wednesday night.
When visited by reporters on Ogbelaka Street, the party’s secretariat showed signs of vandalism, including damaged flags, broken windows, and billboards torn down. Parts of the building were also set on fire, though residents intervened to prevent it from being completely destroyed.
Eyewitnesses reported that the attackers arrived in a white bus around 8 p.m., allegedly pouring a flammable substance around the building in an attempt to set it ablaze. Party members were present at the scene, discussing the incident and warning against any further attempts to disrupt their operations.
Edo State ADC Chairman, Mr. Kennedy Odion, told reporters that the party had moved into the secretariat last month and appealed to security agencies to investigate and prosecute the perpetrators.
“I received a distress call on Wednesday that our secretariat was on fire. Security agencies were contacted immediately to help extinguish it. Eyewitnesses said a bus brought masked boys who attempted to set the building on fire and destroyed party billboards,” Odion said.
He added that the attackers tried to break into the building despite local security arrangements and stressed that residents who intervened acted independently. “This shows that the people cannot be silenced. Security agencies must remain neutral and ensure justice is done,” Odion said.
The Edo State Police Command, through spokesperson SP Eno Ikoedem, confirmed the incident, stating that operatives were deployed to restore order.
“Preliminary assessment revealed malicious damage to party flags and two broken windows. Security personnel have been stationed to prevent further attacks, and investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend the perpetrators,” Ikoedem said.
She further urged the public to report any distress situations promptly and warned that those responsible would face legal consequences.
The attack comes after the Obidient Movement partnered with the ADC to strengthen the party’s structure and presence in Edo State.
