A gathering held on Saturday to appoint a former federal lawmaker, Ehiozuwa Agbonayinma, as the ‘Apex Leader’ of the All Progressives Congress in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government in Edo State turned aggressive as hooligans attacked those who were present.
As soon as the meeting began, the suspected troublemakers and political thugs attacked, causing injuries to those in attendance, including the female leader of the local government and her husband who are currently in the hospital.
They also caused damage to vehicles and chairs, and took drinks and other items from the meeting venue, which was on Dumez Road in Benin, the Edo State capital.
Following the attack, Agbonayinma told reporters, “The APC local government chairman, Sunny Ogbewe, informed me that the leaders of Ikpoba-Okha were coming to meet with me to discuss the way forward for the party in the local government area.
“However, it was a terrible event. People close to me brought many others to the venue, causing destruction and assaulting the woman leader and her husband. Both of them are in the hospital as I speak.
“They also damaged vehicles, broke furniture, and took away drinks. This is not the appropriate way to participate in politics. Resorting to violence and assaulting elderly individuals?
“For some time, the people of the local government have been urging me to assume a leadership position. But I have not shown interest due to the difficulties I have faced. I lost my son and I am still struggling with trauma.
“They came here to ask me to be the apex leader of Ikpoba-Okha.”
Agbonayima, speaking at the meeting after security was tightened at the venue, vowed that those responsible for the attack “will pay dearly for all they have destroyed” and revealed that the attackers also took a generator brought to power equipment for the meeting.
He mentioned that it was difficult for him to accept the honor the APC members of the local government bestowed upon him to be their “Apex leader.”
“I will not take this opportunity given to me for granted. I will not let you down,” he said, stating that he would seek advice before making decisions and urging party members to show respect for their leaders at all levels.
Attendees at the meeting condemned the attackers and called for harsh sanctions to discourage others who might consider taking such actions in the future.
