By Our Reporter
Presidential hopeful and chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Peter Obi, on Tuesday narrowly escaped what his aides described as an assassination attempt in Benin City, Edo State. The former Anambra State governor was reportedly in the state for a party function when armed hoodlums allegedly stormed the venue and began shooting sporadically, throwing the area into chaos.
According to his media aide, Val Obienyem, the attackers specifically targeted Obi. He said the presidential hopeful was immediately whisked away from the scene as the assailants allegedly pursued his convoy. In a statement circulated shortly after the incident, Obienyem disclosed that the gunmen reportedly chased the vehicle conveying Obi to Chief John Onyegu’s residence and continued firing.
This happened a few minutes ago. The situation remains chaotic, and those nearby are trying to ascertain whether Mr. Obi was wounded,” the statement read. The development sparked tension among supporters and residents in the vicinity of the event venue.
However, Obienyem later issued an update confirming that Obi escaped unharmed. He reassured supporters and called for calm, stating that the former governor was safe despite the attack.
Meanwhile, the National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, Yunusa Tanko, also confirmed the incident. In a statement titled “Breaking Red Alert in Benin, Edo State,” Tanko said Obi and ADC leaders came under siege during the event, describing the situation as an attack on both the candidate and members of the movement.
With reports from National Post