During a meeting held on Saturday in Edo State to appoint former federal lawmaker Ehiozuwa Agbonayinma as the ‘Apex Leader’ of the All Progressives Congress in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government, chaos erupted as thugs targeted attendees.
The violent incident occurred right at the beginning of the meeting, with suspected hoodlums and political thugs causing harm to those present. The woman leader of the local government and her husband are currently receiving medical treatment due to the injuries sustained.
In addition to physically attacking individuals, the assailants also caused damage to vehicles and furniture, and looted drinks and other items from the meeting venue situated on Dumez Road in Benin, the capital of Edo State.
Following the attack, Agbonayinma addressed reporters and expressed his dismay, stating, “The APC local government chairman, Sunny Ogbewe, informed me that the leaders of Ikpoba-Okha would be meeting with me to discuss the future of the party in the area.
“However, what occurred was tragic. People close to me, along with others, went to the venue, causing destruction and assaulting the woman leader and her husband. They are currently hospitalized.
“They also vandalized vehicles, destroyed furniture, and stole drinks. This is not the way politics should be conducted. Resorting to violence and targeting elders?
“Residents of the local government have been urging me to take on a leadership role for some time. However, due to personal challenges, including the loss of my son and ongoing trauma, I have been hesitant.
“They approached me to become the apex leader of Ikpoba-Okha.”
After beefing up security at the venue, Agbonayima addressed the meeting, promising that the perpetrators of the attack “will face consequences for the destruction they caused.” He also revealed that the attackers stole a generator that was being used to power equipment for the meeting.
Accepting the honor bestowed upon him by the APC members of the local government to be their “Apex leader” was a difficult decision for Agbonayima.
“I will not take this responsibility lightly. I will uphold it with integrity,” he assured, emphasizing the importance of consulting and respecting party leaders at all levels.
Attendees at the meeting strongly condemned the attackers and called for stringent penalties to deter any future occurrences of such violence.