Benin City experienced a violent incident on Tuesday, November 19, when armed thugs raided the Edo State PDP Secretariat on Airport Road, causing panic among residents.
The attackers, allegedly led by Kapuepue, the brother of APC Youth Leader Tony Kabaka, reportedly aimed to seize documents connected to the party’s ongoing election petition.
Eyewitnesses said the group arrived chanting war songs, firing shots into the air, and vandalizing banners outside the secretariat.
They overpowered the security personnel, stormed the building, and looted offices, stealing computers, printers, and files.
Henry Duke Tenebe, Secretary of the PDP State Caretaker Committee, was caught in the midst of the attack. Ruth, an administrative officer, revealed, “The attackers were searching for the original copies of our election petition evidence but only found photocopies. They threatened us, warning not to return or face more violence.”
The incident comes amid a legal dispute over the September 21 gubernatorial election. PDP youth leader Andrew Enantomhen condemned the attack, describing it as a “desperate attempt” by APC supporters.
“They’ve temporarily taken our mandate and are now trying to erase evidence. The police must take action against Kapuepue, who was recently seen openly wielding a gun on this same road,” Enantomhen stated.
Edo PDP Publicity Secretary, Chris Osa Nehikhare, denounced the attack, describing it as “a regrettable attempt to hinder our quest for justice.” He questioned, “If the APC is confident in their victory, why resort to violence and intimidation?”
With tensions mounting ahead of the tribunal hearings, there are growing concerns that the escalating unrest could jeopardize democratic processes in Edo State.
By evening, the shattered windows and vandalized billboards at the PDP secretariat stood as stark reminders of the state’s deepening turmoil.
