BY MIKE OSAROGIAGBON
Thugs allegedly led by members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) invaded the State Secretariat of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Benin City, Thursday.
The attackers destroyed key properties within the building, including doors, windows and office equipment, carting away valuables worth millions of naira.
It was reported that the thugs, who reportedly ransacked the PDP office with the intent to intimidate and harm anyone present, also made away with electronics, computers, and other essential office items.
Witnesses claimed the attackers were prepared to harm anyone who stood in their way, further escalating the violence.
According to a statement following the attack, the Publicity Secretary of the PDP Caretaker Committee, Chris Osa Nehikhare, condemned the incident, calling it a reckless attempt by the APC to disrupt the PDP’s efforts to reclaim its mandate from the September 21 governorship election.
Chris Nehikhare said, “It is quite disappointing and unfortunate that the APC, on Thursday, mobilized thugs to attack our party Secretariat in their desperation to frustrate and halt efforts by our great party to reclaim the mandate duly given to it by the Edo people.”
Nehikhare further questioned why the APC was resorting to violence, saying, “If the APC are confident that they won the election free and square and have nothing to hide, why are they jittery and mobilizing thugs to attack the PDP Secretariat?”
He described the attack as “barbaric” and called on security agencies to investigate the matter thoroughly. “We urge relevant security agencies to thoroughly investigate the attack and ensure that the perpetrators of this dastardly act are brought to book.”
Nehikhare however expressed the PDP’s commitment to pursuing justice and the restoration of its mandate. He also urged party members and supporters to remain calm and resolute while legal channels are explored.
In response, the APC Publicity Secretary, Peter Uwadiae-Igbinigie, dismissed the allegations as unfounded, calling the claim that APC members were involved in the attack “baseless.”
He questioned how the PDP could identify the attackers as APC members, saying, “Did the people have anything on them to show that they are APC members?”
He dismissed the PDP’s accusations as absurd and suggested that the party should address its internal issues rather than dragging the APC into its problems.
“The allegation is weighty and criminal in nature, the PDP should be sure they have proof before making the allegation. We will urge the PDP to sort its internal problems and not drag the APC into it,” Peter Uwadiae-Igbinigie noted.
As tensions continue to rise between the two major political parties in the state, the call for an investigation into the attack remains a priority for the PDP, who maintains that they will not be intimidated in their pursuit of justice.
Alltimepost.com correspondent in Benin could not reach the Spokesman for police in Edo, SP Moses Joel Yamu for comment.
At press time today, the Edo State government and security agencies have yet to issue an official statement on the matter.
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