ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)-Violence broke out Saturday during a gathering of the All Progressive Congress (APC) stakeholders in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area of Edo State, disrupting the meeting.
The meeting, a crucial one ahead of the April 24 campaign kick-off and the September 21, 2024 governorship election, took place at the private residence of Ehiozuwa Agbonayinma, a former governorship aspirant, on Dumez/Sapele Road, Benin.
Shortly after the meeting began, the venue was invaded by hoodlums and thugs, resulting in injuries to several APC leaders and members.
Agbonayinma condemned the violence, stating that it was unacceptable and contrary to the principles of democracy. Despite the disruption, the meeting resumed after security personnel intervened.
Agbonayinma vowed that those responsible for the violence and destruction would be held accountable for their actions, according to Nation reports.
Agbonayinma, speaking with reporters in Benin over the sad incident, said: “The attackers vandalised vehicles, broke chairs and tables.
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“They also carted away drinks and a generator that was brought to power the equipment for the meeting, and they destroyed the hired musical equipment.
“This is not how politics should be played. Going violent and beating up elderly persons are condemnable. My teeming supporters and I cannot be intimidated. We are marching forward, and, God willing, victory is sure for Edo APC and its governorship candidate.
“For sometime, APC’s leaders and members in Ikpoba-Okha LGA have been pleading with me to come and take the leadership position, especially to be the apex leader of APC in Ikpoba-Okha LGA, but I told them that I was not interested because of what I have gone through. I lost my grown-up son and I am still going through a lot, because of the trauma.”
According to Nation, many security operatives, particularly personnel of the Department of State Services (DSS) and policemen from Edo command, were later deployed to the venue before normalcy was restored.
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The stakeholders proceeded with the meeting after then.
Agbonaiyinma declared that the hoodlums that invaded the venue of the meeting would pay dearly for all the valuable items they destroyed.