Imagine being moments away from a potential disaster, your life hanging in the balance. That’s exactly what happened to Olumide Akpata, former President of the Nigerian Bar Association, and Peter Obi, as they narrowly escaped an alleged assassination attempt in Benin City, Edo State. But here’s where it gets chilling—this wasn’t just a random act of violence; it was a targeted threat based on intelligence reports warning of an imminent attack on their political gathering.
Akpata, who also served as a governorship candidate for the Labour Party, shared the harrowing details on Politics Today just a day after a similar attack on African Democratic Congress leaders in the same state. “We were in harm’s way,” he admitted candidly. “Thanks to the swift action of security personnel, what could have been a devastating tragedy was averted.”
The event in question was a formal defection ceremony held at the ADC secretariat on Ogbelaka Street, scheduled for 11 a.m. As the program unfolded, intelligence from what Akpata described as reliable sources warned that the venue was about to be attacked by unknown assailants. And this is the part most people miss—both Akpata and Obi received this alarming information independently, prompting organizers to expedite the event to prevent a potential crisis.
Akpata painted a vivid picture of the venue’s vulnerability: a cramped, narrow building where even a stampede could prove deadly, located on a densely populated street. “We had to act fast,” he explained. Organizers hastily concluded the program and relocated party leaders to the residence of John Odigie-Oyegun, where they planned to address the press. “It was a split-second decision,” Akpata added. “There was no time for a formal briefing—anything could have gone wrong.”
The gravity of the situation became even clearer shortly after they left. Armed men reportedly stormed the secretariat, attacking the venue and its attendees. Akpata revealed that his cousin narrowly escaped being hit by a bullet during the chaos. Following the incident, Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo ordered a police investigation into the attack.
Here’s the controversial question: Was this a politically motivated attack, or a broader security issue plaguing the region? Akpata’s account raises more questions than answers, leaving room for speculation and debate. What do you think? Could this be a symptom of deeper political tensions, or something else entirely? Share your thoughts in the comments—this is a conversation that demands your voice.
