The Edo State Police Command has confirmed that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) State Secretariat located at Ogbelaka Street, off Sapele Road, Benin City, was on Tuesday attacked by some hoodlums who caused panic.

In a statement on Wednesday, the police said the attack led to a stampede at the end of the occasion, shortly after the programme was officially concluded, and most dignitaries had departed the venue. The hoodlums were said to have caused commotion, chased members away and thrown the furniture at the venue upside down.

Police patrol teams swiftly responded to the distress call, but the hoodlums fled upon sighting operatives. Plastic chairs and canopies arranged and left on the road outside the secretariat for the event were vandalised and damaged.

No casualties were recorded. However, during the ensuing stampede, one woman sustained injuries not related to gunfire. She was promptly treated at a nearby chemist and has since been discharged.

Security has been reinforced around the secretariat and its environs to forestall any further breakdown of law and order.

In a related development, at about 1548hrs, the Command received a distress report alleging that gunshots were heard at the residence of the ADC State Chairman and former Executive Governor of Edo State, Chief John Odigie Oyegun.

Upon arrival at the residence, Police operatives observed signs of malicious damage. Items reportedly destroyed included two rear windscreens and body parts of vehicles parked outside the residence. No casualty was recorded at the residence.

The Commissioner of Police, Edo State Command, CP Monday Agbonika, fdc, has ordered the commencement of a full-scale investigation into the incidents with a view to identifying, apprehending, and prosecuting the perpetrators.

The Command reiterated its commitment to ensuring adequate security for all political stakeholders, irrespective of party affiliation. It warned that acts of political violence will not be tolerated under any guise.

Members of the public are urged to remain calm and provide useful information that can aid ongoing investigations.