Ibori-Suenu Escapes Attack as Violence Rocks Ethiope West APC Congress

Member representing Ethiope Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu, narrowly escaped harm on Saturday after violence broke out at the All Progressives Congress (APC) local government congress in Ethiope West, Delta State. The disruption occurred shortly after her arrival at the relocated venue, Ovade Primary School, where party delegates had gathered for the exercise.

Eyewitnesses said armed men stormed the premises, some wielding cutlasses and firearms, triggering panic and a stampede. Security operatives attached to the lawmaker swiftly formed a protective shield around her and evacuated her from the scene amid fears she may have been the target of the attack. Several delegates sustained injuries as they fled for safety.

Ibori-Suenu, daughter of former Delta State governor James Ibori, later appealed for calm, urging party members to avoid reprisals and allow security agencies to investigate the incident. Her intervention came as tensions heightened within the party following the breakdown of the congress.

As of the time of filing this report, police authorities had not issued an official statement on the attack or confirmed any arrests. The incident has intensified concerns over the safety of political actors and party faithful during internal political activities in the state.