An All Progressives Congress (APC) local government congress in Ovade, Oghara, Ethiope West Local Government Area of Delta State was violently disrupted on Thursday after gunmen stormed the venue and opened fire, triggering panic among party members and forcing federal lawmaker Rt. Hon. Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu to be evacuated under heavy security.
Ibori-Suenu, who represents Ethiope Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives and is the daughter of former Delta State governor James Ibori, had arrived at the venue for the congress when armed men reportedly attacked party faithful and blocked access to the field where the exercise was scheduled to hold.
Eyewitnesses said the atmosphere became tense moments after her arrival, before gunshots suddenly rang out, sending delegates and supporters fleeing in different directions.
“We ran for our lives. Some of us fell and got injured. They attacked us at the gate and prevented us from entering,” an eyewitness told reporters. “They were holding all kinds of weapons. It was only God that saved madam.”
According to members of the lawmaker’s entourage, the attackers appeared determined to prevent her from participating in the congress. “They denied her entry and immediately the shooting started,” one aide said. “If she had stepped further into that field before the gunfire began, the story today might have been different.”
Security personnel attached to the lawmaker reportedly formed a protective cordon around her and swiftly evacuated her from the scene. Some members of her security team were said to have sustained injuries while shielding her and attempting to restore order.
Several supporters were also reportedly injured during the melee, although the exact number of casualties had not been officially confirmed as of press time. Witnesses said some of the victims received emergency medical attention at nearby facilities.
An aide close to the lawmaker described the attack as deliberate. “This was not random violence. This was targeted. The intention was clear,” the aide alleged, claiming that “certain powerful interests” in the area were uncomfortable with the unfolding congress process.
As of the time of filing this report, no evidence had been publicly presented to substantiate claims of sponsorship, and security authorities had yet to announce any arrests in connection with the incident.
Credit: Vanguard
