Akpata Recounts Narrow Escape of Obi, Opposition Leaders During Benin City Attack

Olumide Akpata, former Labour Party governorship candidate in Edo State, has provided new details on the armed incident near former APC National Chairman Chief John Odigie-Oyegun’s residence that involved former presidential candidate Peter Obi and other opposition figures.

In an interview with Channels Television on Wednesday, Akpata described how the leaders narrowly avoided harm after gunmen fired near Odigie-Oyegun’s residence following a political event at the African Democratic Congress (ADC) Secretariat on Ogbelaka Street.

Akpata said the event, attended by Obi, Odigie-Oyegun, former Edo State governor Prof. Oserheimen Osunbor, and other opposition figures, received intelligence suggesting an imminent attack. The programme was hurriedly concluded, and key leaders relocated to Odigie-Oyegun’s residence for safety.

He recounted that shortly after leaving the secretariat, attackers arrived at the venue, injuring several supporters and damaging property. At Odigie-Oyegun’s residence, gunmen carried out what Akpata described as a “double drive-by,” firing multiple shots before fleeing. Security personnel intervened, averting further harm.

“No one died. Some people were injured and received medical attention,” Akpata confirmed. He added that the gunfire near the residence was heavier than at the ADC secretariat.

Obi later addressed journalists briefly before departing Benin City, and opposition leaders dispersed. Akpata’s account offers a detailed perspective on the sequence of events and the narrow escape of political figures during the attack.