KEY POINTS

• Suspected thugs attacked the ADC secretariat in Benin, vandalising property and damaging parts of the building.

• Eyewitnesses said the attackers attempted to set the office on fire before residents intervened.

• The ADC has called on security agencies to investigate and prosecute those responsible.

The Edo State secretariat of the African Democratic Party, ADC, in Benin City was attacked on Wednesday night by suspected thugs, leaving parts of the building damaged and party property destroyed.

When journalists visited the office on Ogbelaka Street on Thursday, several party flags inside the premises had been vandalised, two windows were shattered, and multiple billboards mounted around the building had been pulled down. Portions of the structure also showed signs of fire damage.

Eyewitnesses said the attack occurred at about 8 p.m., when the assailants arrived in a white bus.

According to residents, the attackers allegedly poured a liquid suspected to be fuel around the building in an apparent attempt to set it ablaze. However, quick intervention by people in the neighbourhood prevented the fire from spreading and saved the building from being completely destroyed.

Party members were later seen at the premises discussing the incident and warning against any further attempt to disrupt activities at the secretariat.

ADC Calls for Security Intervention

Speaking in a telephone interview on Thursday, the Edo State Chairman of the ADC, Mr Kennedy Odion, confirmed the attack and expressed concern over the development.

Odion disclosed that the party only moved into the secretariat last month, adding that no provocation or dispute had occurred that could explain the assault.

He called on security agencies to immediately investigate the incident, identify those responsible and ensure they are brought to justice in order to prevent a recurrence.

The attack has raised concerns among party members about possible political intimidation, especially as preparations gradually intensify ahead of future electoral activities in the state.

ADC officials said they remain committed to peaceful political engagement and urged authorities to guarantee the safety of their members and property.