Thugs Attack ADC Secretariat in Edo, Police Confirm Malicious Damage as Tensions Rise

There was palpable tension in Benin City, the Edo State capital, on Thursday following an attack on the state secretariat of the African Democratic Party (ADC) by suspected hoodlums. The incident, which was captured in a viral video circulating on social media, has sparked widespread public outrage and renewed concerns about political violence and intolerance ahead of future electoral activities in the state.

According to eyewitness accounts and video footage shared online, unidentified thugs reportedly stormed the ADC secretariat late in the evening, vandalising party property and causing panic in the area. The footage shows damaged party flags, shattered windows and evidence of forceful entry, raising fears among party members and residents about the safety of opposition political offices in the state.

Confirming the incident in an official statement, the Edo State Police Command described the attack as an act of “malicious damage and thuggery” carried out by suspected hoodlums. The police spokesperson, ASP Eno Ikoedem, stated that the incident occurred at about 8:55 p.m. following a distress call received by the Control Room in Benin City.

“Police operatives were immediately mobilised to the scene to restore normalcy,” the statement read. “Preliminary assessment revealed malicious damage to flags and two shattered windows in the premises. Security has since been deployed to the area to forestall further attacks, while investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend those responsible.”

The police command commended the prompt response of those who alerted security agencies, noting that the timely call helped prevent further destruction. It also warned that anyone found culpable would face the full wrath of the law, while encouraging members of the public to report emergencies using the command’s dedicated hotlines.

The attack has triggered heated reactions across social media platforms, with many Nigerians condemning the violence and questioning the state of democratic practice in Edo. Several commentators expressed concern that political thuggery remains prevalent in Nigeria despite claims of democratic consolidation. Some users described the incident as a dangerous attempt to intimidate opposition voices and stifle political plurality in the state.

Others linked the incident to broader national patterns of political violence, arguing that attacks on opposition party offices undermine democratic choice and erode public confidence in governance. Calls have been made for a thorough and transparent investigation to ensure that those behind the attack, regardless of political affiliation, are brought to justice.

While opinions remain divided over the activities and relevance of the ADC, many commentators agreed that no political disagreement justifies violence, vandalism, or intimidation. Analysts have warned that allowing such incidents to go unpunished could set a dangerous precedent, emboldening political actors to resort to force rather than persuasion.

Civil society observers have also urged the Edo State Government and security agencies to guarantee a level playing field for all political parties. According to them, democracy thrives only when opposition parties are allowed to operate freely without fear of harassment or destruction of property.

The attack comes at a time when Edo State’s political climate is already charged, with rising tensions among parties and their supporters. Political stakeholders have been advised to exercise restraint and ensure that their supporters conduct themselves within the bounds of the law.

The Edo State Police Command reiterated its commitment to maintaining law and order and safeguarding lives and property across the state. It assured residents and political groups that investigations are ongoing and that those responsible for the attack on the ADC secretariat will be identified and prosecuted.

As Nigerians continue to react to the incident, many see it as a test case for the authorities’ resolve to curb political violence and uphold democratic norms. Observers argue that beyond official statements, decisive action and visible accountability will be crucial in restoring public trust and preventing similar attacks in the future.