Tension in Edo State rose after a violent incident involving members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) party in Benin City this week.
The Edo State Government said the attacks on the ADC’s state secretariat and the home of party leaders should not have happened and described them as an “internal party crisis that had been taken too far.”
Governor Monday Okpebholo condemned the violence and said he was not involved in the incident.
He expressed sympathy for those affected but said politics should not lead to violence.
Okpebholo said some people may have brought trouble into Edo State “under the guise of party politics.”
He warned that he would not allow Edo to become a “theatre of conflict” and said politics should focus on good government and earning the trust of the people.
The Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) also spoke out, warning that linking the ADC to cultism could fuel attacks and calling for police to remain neutral.
Some ADC members and other political groups said the attack shows growing political tension in the state.
A party leader warned that the situation could cause chaos if not addressed.
The Edo State Police Command confirmed the incident, saying suspected hoodlums chased people from the ADC secretariat and that security officers responded quickly.
Some chairs and tents were damaged, but no deaths were reported. Investigations are ongoing.
