PDP secretariat in Edo state attacked by armed thugs targeting election documents

In Benin City, the capital of Edo state, thugs associated with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) recently looted the secretariat of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

When the armed thugs overran the Edo State PDP Secretariat on Airport Road, traders and store owners fled for their lives, causing mayhem throughout the city.

According to witnesses, the attackers entered chanting war songs and firing intermittently into the air. They were headed by a man described as Kapuepue, the younger brother of APC Youth Leader Tony Kabaka.

Before overwhelming security personnel and breaking in, they allegedly demolished billboards and banners outside the facility.

According to reports, the group damaged buildings, stole valuables, and attacked employees.

Inside the secretariat, they smashed doors and windows, ransacked offices, and carted away computers, printers, and large bags filled with files and documents.

“They said PDP is dead, so nobody should come here again or they will kill us next time.

“They came looking for original copies of our election petition evidence, but they didn’t find any. All they took were photocopies and other documents,” an administrative officer at the secretariat simply identified as Ruth said.

The attack comes amidst a contentious legal battle over the results of the September 21 gubernatorial election.

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PDP leaders have accused the APC of orchestrating the violence to intimidate them and disrupt the party’s challenge at the election tribunal.

Andrew Enantomhen, a PDP youth leader, called the attack a desperate move by APC supporters.

“They have temporarily stolen our mandate and are now trying to cover their tracks. Why are they looking for documents? The case has already been filed in court. Justice will be served in Edo State,” he said.

In addition, Enantomhen pleaded with the police to bring peace, cautioning that if the violence persists, party members could have to defend themselves.

“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 at the September 21 governorship election,” said Chris Osa Nehikhare, the Edo PDP Caretaker Committee’s publicity secretary.

“Why are the APC agitated and organizing thugs to attack the PDP Secretariat if they are certain that they won the election without any problems and have nothing to conceal?
“The PDP is unwavering in its resolve to seek justice and the reinstatement of our mandate, and we will not be intimidated or discouraged.”