The African Democratic Congress (ADC) Edo Central senatorial candidate, Herberta Okonofua, former governorship aspirant Kenneth Imasuangbon, and other party members reportedly escaped unhurt when suspected political thugs opened fire on their convoy in Igueben Local Government Area of Edo State on Tuesday.
A party supporter, identified as Jerry Oliha, sustained gunshot wounds during the attack. He was rushed to Irrua Specialist Hospital, where doctors were battling to save his life.
The ADC alleged that the attackers, believed to be loyalists of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), were led by the Chairman of Igueben Local Government Council, Endurance Azemegbe.
The party said the incident occurred during political engagements in the area and marked the third attack on the same entourage that day, following earlier shootings in Wards 4 and 5.In a statement, ADC Edo State Publicity Secretary Chris Ojeikere said:
“The Igueben Local Government Chairman has just led a team of gun-toting assailants to attack the entourage of Kenneth Imasuangbon and the Edo Central ADC Senatorial candidate, Hon. Herberta Okonofua. The hoodlum shot fatally at a young man, Jerry Oliha, from ADC Ward 6, at the premises of the Enogie of Igueben.”
Ojeikere described the attack as part of a wider pattern of violence against opposition members and facilities in the state, citing similar incidents in Etsako East, Owan West and Owan East.
He said the party would issue a comprehensive report and that the Divisional Police Officer of Igueben had been informed.
However, Azemegbe denied any involvement. He told journalists he was not in Igueben when the incident occurred and only learnt of it from reporters.
“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. We are peaceful people and brothers in Igueben,” he said.
Edo State Police Public Relations Officer ASP Eno Ikoedem said the command could not immediately confirm the incident and would act once it was formally reported.
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