Gun attack disrupts APC congress in Delta as Ibori-Suenu narrowly escapes harm

Pandemonium broke out on Saturday in Ovade, Oghara, Ethiope West Local Government Area of Delta State after gunmen invaded the venue of a local government congress of the All Progressives Congress (APC), forcing Hon. Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu to flee under heavy security in what aides described as an attempted assassination.

The federal lawmaker, who represents Ethiope Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives and is a daughter of former Delta State governor James Ibori, had just arrived at the congress venue when armed assailants reportedly struck, attacking party members and blocking access to the field where the exercise was scheduled to take place.

Eyewitness accounts said tension escalated shortly after her arrival before gunshots echoed across the area, triggering panic as delegates and supporters ran for cover.

“We ran for our lives. Some of us fell and got injured. They attacked us at the gate and prevented us from entering,” an eyewitness told reporters. “They were holding all kinds of weapons. It was only God that saved madam.”

Members of the lawmaker’s entourage said the attackers appeared intent on stopping her from gaining access to the venue. “They denied her entry and immediately the shooting started,” one aide said. “If she had stepped further into that field before the gunfire began, the story today might have been different.”

Security operatives attached to Ibori-Suenu were said to have quickly formed a protective shield around her, repelling the attackers and evacuating her from the scene. Some of the security personnel reportedly sustained injuries during the operation.

Several APC members were also injured in the chaos, according to witnesses, though officials had yet to release an official casualty figure at the time of filing this report. Those injured were said to have received emergency treatment at nearby medical facilities.

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An aide to the lawmaker insisted the incident was not accidental. “This was not random violence. This was targeted. The intention was clear,” the aide said, alleging that “certain powerful interests” opposed to the congress process may be behind the attack. However, no official evidence has been presented, and security agencies had not announced any arrests as of press time.

Despite the incident, Ibori-Suenu was said to have remained composed and urged her supporters to avoid retaliation.

“I urge everyone to remain calm. We must not take the law into our hands despite this unprovoked assault,” she was quoted as saying.

As security agencies move to investigate the attack, party leaders and stakeholders are under growing pressure to identify those responsible and restore confidence in the disrupted congress process.

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