By Paul Omo Okojie

The recent reports of violence, intimidation and alleged attacks by suspected political thugs in Edo State have raised fresh concerns about public safety, political tolerance and the future of democracy in the state. At a time when residents expect their leaders to prioritise security, economic recovery and development, reports linking suspected political loyalists to acts of violence threaten to undermine public confidence in the institutions responsible for maintaining law and order. These allegations, including those involving individuals suspected of being associated with the All Progressives Congress (APC), deserve serious attention, impartial investigation and an unequivocal commitment to the rule of law.

Political violence is not merely a disagreement between rival parties; it is an assault on the rights of ordinary citizens to live, work, organise and express their opinions without fear. When allegations emerge that political thugs are being used to intimidate opponents, disrupt public gatherings or settle political scores, the consequences extend beyond the immediate victims. Traders, transport operators, journalists, community leaders and young people can become vulnerable to an atmosphere in which political affiliation determines who feels safe in public spaces. No political party should be permitted to operate above the law, regardless of its electoral strength or relationship with those in government.

However,  of particular concern is the allegation that some of the individuals implicated in recent incidents are suspected supporters or agents of the APC. Such claims must not be treated as proof of the party’s institutional responsibility without credible evidence. Nevertheless, the seriousness of the allegations demands that the party’s leadership publicly condemn political violence, discourage the activities of any suspected enforcers operating in its name and cooperate fully with law-enforcement agencies. Political organisations that seek public trust must demonstrate through their conduct that they reject intimidation and believe in persuasion, lawful competition and peaceful engagement.

The Edo State Government also headed by Governor Monday Okpebholo, has a constitutional and moral responsibility to ensure that every resident enjoys equal protection under the constitution which he has sworn to protect. Security cannot be selective, and the machinery of government must never be perceived as an instrument for protecting political allies while abandoning critics and opponents.

The appropriate response to reported attacks is a prompt, transparent and professional investigation, the identification of those responsible and prosecution where evidence establishes criminal wrongdoing. Where public officials or politically connected individuals are implicated, their status should neither shield them from investigation nor justify conclusions before the facts are established.

The Nigeria Police Force and other relevant security agencies must equally demonstrate independence, professionalism and urgency in addressing the situation. Victims and witnesses should be encouraged to provide information through safe and lawful channels, while investigations must be conducted without political interference. Arrests, where justified by evidence, should be followed by due process rather than media trials or arbitrary punishment.

Equally important is the need to establish whether the reported incidents are isolated criminal acts or part of a broader pattern of organised political intimidation. Like to incident of attack in Igueben Local Government Area against the African Democratic Congress (ADC). A credible response requires verifiable facts, accurate reporting and accountability at every level.

The implications for Edo State’s political future are significant. A climate of fear weakens democratic participation by discouraging citizens from attending political meetings, campaigning for candidates of their choice or criticising public officials. It also threatens the credibility of future elections, because democracy depends not only on the casting of ballots but also on the freedom to make political choices without coercion.

The youths who are allegedly recruited into violent political activities must understand that temporary financial inducements and promises of protection cannot erase the long-term consequences of criminal conduct. Political leaders, in turn, must recognise that the use of intimidation to secure influence ultimately damages the legitimacy of political power.

Beyond immediate investigations, the state needs a broader commitment to political peace. Party leaders across the political divide should publicly reject thuggery, discourage inflammatory rhetoric and establish channels for resolving disputes before they escalate into violence. Civil society organisations, traditional institutions, religious leaders and the media also have important roles in promoting peaceful participation and documenting incidents responsibly. The government should strengthen community-based security collaboration and ensure that allegations of violence are addressed consistently, irrespective of the identities or political connections of those involved. Accountability must be based on evidence, not party loyalty.

Ultimately, Edo State cannot afford to normalise political violence or allow allegations of partisan thuggery to become a permanent feature of public life. The central question is not which party benefits from the prevailing atmosphere, but whether the people of Edo can live safely under a government committed to protecting all citizens equally. The APC, as the party whose members or suspected supporters have been mentioned in these allegations, should make its position against political violence unmistakable, while the government and security agencies must ensure that the law takes its course. Every reported incident deserves a thorough examination, every victim deserves justice, and every suspect deserves due process. Edo State’s democracy will be stronger when political competition is settled through ideas, performance and the ballot box not intimidation, threats or violence.

Edo Citizens say no to political violence!