On Monday, political thugs took control of the Oredo Local Government Area secretariat in Edo State. Armed with weapons, they blocked Chairman Tom Obaseki from entering his office. As Obaseki arrived to resume his duties, he found the thugs already in charge.
Obaseki tried to enter but had to retreat. The thugs positioned themselves around the secretariat, chanting war songs. “I came here to continue my work, but thugs had already overtaken the council,” he said.
The chairman expressed his concern. “This is a disturbing trend,” he added. He called for immediate action from security agencies. “We have a restraining order, and we need it enforced,” Obaseki said.
This comes after the Edo State High Court recently nullified Obaseki’s suspension and that of 17 other council chairmen. The suspensions were issued by the Edo State House of Assembly after Governor Monday Okpebholo accused the chairmen of misconduct and insubordination.
The rise of political violence in Edo State is alarming. Many now question how authorities will respond to the growing power of political thugs. The situation is unfolding, and the public demands stronger action.
