By Muhammad Mamman
Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has condemned the reported attack on members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), describing the incident as unfortunate and avoidable.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the governor denounced the violence and called for calm among political actors, stressing that democratic engagement must never descend into lawlessness. He, however, attributed the incident to what he described as lingering internal wrangling within the party.
Okpebholo urged party leaders and stakeholders to resolve their differences through dialogue rather than actions capable of escalating tensions. He emphasised that political disagreements are best addressed within established party structures and through lawful means.
“The safety of all citizens, irrespective of political affiliation, remains paramount,” the governor said, adding that security agencies have been directed to ensure that peace and order are maintained across the state.
While reiterating his administration’s commitment to upholding democratic values, Okpebholo warned against attempts to politicise the incident or use it to inflame passions. He called on residents to remain law-abiding and avoid spreading unverified claims that could heighten anxiety.
The incident has sparked reactions among political observers, with some urging greater efforts to strengthen internal conflict resolution mechanisms within political parties to prevent further unrest.
Security officials are yet to release detailed findings on the circumstances surrounding the attack.
