Akpata Alleges Assassination Plot at Benin Political Event, Says Attack Averted

Former Edo State governorship candidate of the Labour Party, Olumide Akpata, has revealed that he and Peter Obi received intelligence reports warning of an imminent attack on their political gathering in Benin City.

“I was in harm’s way, there’s no doubt. We were in harm’s way yesterday in Benin,” he stated, adding that swift action and security intervention averted what he described as a “dastardly event.”

According to him, members of the Labour Party in Edo State had gathered at the party secretariat on Ogbelaka Street to formally defect to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) when intelligence suggested the venue was about to be attacked.

Akpata explained that both he and Obi received separate alerts from reliable sources advising that unknown persons were planning to strike. The organisers quickly wrapped up the event and relocated to the residence of Chief John Odigie-Oyegun to address the press.

He described the secretariat as a tight and densely populated location, warning that even a stampede could have resulted in casualties.

Shortly after their departure, armed men reportedly stormed the venue and attacked those present. Akpata disclosed that his cousin narrowly escaped being hit by a bullet.

The Edo State Government has since directed the police to investigate the incident. Governor Monday Okpebholo condemned the attack and vowed that those responsible would be brought to justice.

Olumide Akpata has claimed that timely intelligence reports saved him and Peter Obi from a potential attack during a political event in Benin City.

Akpata, who spoke on Channels Television, said both leaders were separately warned that their venue would soon come under assault.

The gathering involved Edo Labour Party members moving into the African Democratic Congress (ADC). However, as the ceremony progressed, organisers received credible warnings that armed individuals were preparing to attack the location.

Fearing chaos in the narrow and crowded environment, the leaders hurriedly concluded the programme and relocated.

Moments after they left, armed men reportedly attacked the party secretariat, targeting individuals still present.

Akpata revealed that a close relative narrowly escaped gunfire during the incident.

In reaction, Governor Monday Okpebholo ordered a police investigation and assured residents that perpetrators would face the law.