Benin City was thrown into chaos on Tuesday as armed thugs stormed the Edo State PDP Secretariat on Airport Road, sending traders and shop owners fleeing for safety.

Party members who witnessed the incident accused APC youths in the state of masterminding the attack. They said the leader of the attackers had arrived chanting war songs and caused commotion. “They destroyed banners and billboards outside the building before overpowering security guards and forcing their way inside.

“The gang assaulted staff members, stole valuables, and vandalized property. Inside the secretariat, they smashed doors and windows, ransacked offices, and carted away computers, printers, and large bags filled with files and documents.

“They said PDP is dead, so nobody should come here again…,” an administrative officer at the secretariat said.

“They came looking for original copies of our election petition evidence, but they didn’t find any. All they took were photocopies and other documents.”

The attack comes amidst a contentious legal battle over the results of the September 21 gubernatorial election. PDP leaders have accused the APC of orchestrating the violence to intimidate opponents and disrupt the party’s challenge at the election tribunal.

Andrew Enantomhen, a PDP youth leader, called the attack a desperate move by APC supporters. “They have temporarily stolen our mandate and are now trying to cover their tracks. Why are they looking for documents? The case has already been filed in court. Justice will be served in Edo State,” he said.

Enantomhen also urged the police to restore order, warning that things could escalate if the violence continues.

“The attack on the PDP Secretariat has raised concerns about escalating political violence in Edo State.”

But in a response, the state Publicity Secretary of the APC, Peter Uwadiae-Igbinigie, described the allegation as baseless and urged the PDP to settle its internal crisis.

He warned the PDP against the APC in its messy affair.

He said, “How can the PDP say that the thugs that attacked its party secretariat are that of APC? Did the people have anything on them to show that they are APC members? The allegation is baseless and there is no proof.

“The allegation is weighty and criminal, so the PDP should be sure they have proof. We will urge the PDP to sort out its internal problem and not drag the APC into it.

“The APC government in the state is already embarking on projects that the PDP failed to do. These are projects that will better the lives of the people.”