Obi Was Never Shot At in Edo, Coalition Declares After Independent Probe

De-Patriot

The Coalition of Edo Civil Society Organizations has dismissed claims that a former Governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi, was shot at during last Tuesday’s political incident in Benin City, describing the allegation as “tales by moonlight” peddled by enemies of Edo State.

In a statement signed by the Convener, Braimoh Idris, and the Co-Convener, Andrew Akhere, the coalition said it was saddened by what it termed a deliberate attempt to distort facts surrounding the event involving leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), who had claimed they were attacked and shot at both their party secretariat and the residence of Chief John Odigie-Oyegun.

The group expressed displeasure over reports suggesting that Obi escaped an assassination attempt, noting that such narratives were aimed at whipping up public sympathy and creating unnecessary tension in the state.

It also criticized media coverage of the incident, singling out Punch Newspapers for publishing what it described as an editorial that inaccurately portrayed the situation as an assassination attempt. According to the coalition, the newspaper reported that Obi’s convoy was shot at and that he and Oyegun narrowly escaped death.

Presenting the findings of its investigation, the coalition stated that it interviewed witnesses at the ADC secretariat, security operatives stationed at Oyegun’s residence, and residents in the surrounding area.

According to the statement, the coalition concluded that Peter Obi was never shot at in Benin City and that neither he nor Chief Oyegun escaped any assassination attempt.

Providing details of its findings, the group said the political meeting at the ADC secretariat had already concluded before any disturbance occurred, as all dignitaries, including journalists, had left the venue prior to the arrival of the alleged thugs.
It emphasized that no gunshots were fired at the ADC secretariat at any time during the incident.

On the reported attack at Oyegun’s residence, the statement noted that both Oyegun and Obi were inside the fortified premises when the disturbance occurred. Witness accounts indicated that stones were hurled at vehicles parked outside the residence, but no gunfire was recorded.

The coalition further questioned the assassination narrative, asking why, if the two political figures were actual targets, several vehicles at the location were not significantly affected. It also queried how many bullets, if any, were discharged by their police escorts to repel the supposed attackers, noting that no such evidence had been presented.

The statement added that the coalition’s investigation suggested that the ADC may have instigated the incident in order to attract public sympathy.

While reiterating its commitment to peace, the coalition urged political actors to conduct their affairs responsibly and avoid creating unnecessary tension. It stressed that political competition must not be allowed to destabilize Edo State.