Edo Attack: Obidient Movement Petitions IG, Demands Full Probe

The Obidient Movement on Wednesday called on the Inspector-General of Police and the Federal Government to investigate the recent attack on former presidential candidate Peter Obi, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun and other leaders of the African Democratic Congress in Benin City, Edo State.

The group made the demand a day after armed men reportedly targeted the politicians during a political gathering in the state capital.

According to the movement, the incident happened on Tuesday shortly after a rally in Benin City. It said gunmen first stormed the ADC secretariat on Ogbelaka Street and later trailed the convoy of party leaders to the private residence of Odigie-Oyegun.

At the residence, the attackers allegedly fired shots at vehicles and the gate, causing damage to property and creating panic in the area.

In a statement issued by its National Coordinator, Yunusa Tanko, the movement described the incident as a planned attempt on the lives of the opposition figures.

It called for a thorough and independent investigation that would not be influenced by political interests. The group urged the Inspector-General of Police to take direct charge of the probe to ensure that those responsible, including any sponsors, are identified and brought to justice.

The movement also appealed to the President to publicly condemn political violence and direct party members and political actors across the country to refrain from acts that could threaten lives.

It linked the attack to earlier remarks made in 2025 by the Edo State Governor, who had warned that Obi’s security might not be guaranteed if he visited the state without prior notice.

The group said the recent shooting cannot be separated from such statements.
It further stated that the attack reflects a growing pattern of intimidation against opposition leaders in different parts of the country.

The group said the situation has moved beyond harsh political language to physical violence, raising concerns about public safety and the state’s duty to protect citizens.

The Obidient Movement also faulted the initial reaction by the police, which reportedly focused on damaged chairs and canopies at the venue. It argued that such a response failed to capture the seriousness of the incident.

The Edo State Government’s position describing the event as an internal party issue was also rejected by the group, which insisted that government has a responsibility to protect all residents regardless of political affiliation.

Despite the incident, the movement said it would continue to exercise its constitutional rights and remain active in the political space.

It maintained that it would not be discouraged by acts of violence as it awaits a full investigation into the Benin attack.