A viral video, widely shared across social media platforms, shows chaotic scenes from Ososo in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area, where angry residents hurled stones and other objects at prominent APC leaders yesterday.
Among those targeted were the APC candidate Monday Okpebholo, former Edo State Governor Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, House of Representatives member Peter Akpatason, former Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly Kabiru Adjoto, and Hon. Anslem Agbabi.
What was meant to be a political rally and platform for engagement quickly descended into mayhem as disapproval of the APC’s candidate turned to outright hostility with sporadic gunshots.
Eyewitnesses described the atmosphere as spiraling out of control. One witness, Osagie, recounted: “The atmosphere was already tense, but when the shooting started, chaos erupted. People were running, screaming, and trying to escape the violence. It was terrifying.”
The rally was abruptly cut short after the violence broke out, prompting the swift evacuation of the APC candidate, Okpebholo, Oshiomhole and other APC leaders under heavy security.
The APC has yet to issue an official statement, but sources within the party are reportedly deeply concerned. According to witnesses, a bullet hit a young man who was riding his motorcycle when the incident occurred.
Political commentators and concerned citizens are calling for accountability, with some accusing the APC of attempting to suppress dissent through force.
Osaze Samuel, coordinator of the Movement for Democracy, expressed outrage: “The use of violence to suppress opposition and manipulate political outcomes is unacceptable. We demand that those responsible, including those involved in the shooting of an innocent resident, be brought to justice.”
In the viral video, local residents echoed these sentiments, accusing the APC of ignoring their community’s demands. “We don’t want the APC here in Ososo. No light, no election,” one resident shouted.
