An Edo State comedian, Osagie Iredia, popularly known as Porkupyne, has reportedly been left in critical condition after gunmen suspected of being political thugs attacked him in Benin City following his criticism of the state government.
The comedian reportedly sustained deep machete cuts to his head during the incident, while a Sienna vehicle belonging to Hon. Ekundayo Okponmwan, an African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate contesting for the Ikpoba/Egor Federal Constituency seat, was vandalised.
Sources told SaharaReporters that the incident occurred on Friday night on a street near Wesley Hotel in Benin City, Edo State, where Porkupyne had attended a birthday celebration hosted by the hotel’s owner, Wesley Asoro, described by the sources as an All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain.
According to the sources, Asoro had personally invited the comedian to anchor his wife’s birthday celebration at the hotel.
Porkupyne was reportedly ambushed shortly after leaving the venue.
Comedian Allegedly Warned Against Criticising Okpebholo Government
One source told SaharaReporters that another comedian, described as a card-carrying member of the APC in Edo State, had warned Porkupyne to be careful and stop criticising the administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo.
The source said the warning was issued at the hotel car park shortly before Porkupyne left the premises.
“Before Porkupyne left the hotel, another comedian who is a card-carrying member of the APC in Edo State, warned Porkupyne at the car park to be careful and stop criticising Okpebholo government in order not to be attacked,” the source said.
“Less than two hours after the warning, the attack was carried out,” the source added.
However, the identities of the alleged attackers, their motives and the circumstances surrounding the incident had not been officially established as of the time of filing this report.
ADC Candidate Links Alleged Attack to Criticism of Government
In a video shared with SaharaReporters, Okponmwan was seen at the hospital where the injured comedian was receiving treatment.
The ADC candidate alleged that Porkupyne was attacked because of his criticism of the Edo State government and his calls for good governance.
“This is Porkupyne. This is what they have done to him tonight for criticising the government, for asking for good governance in Edo State,” Okponmwan said.
He also called on the owner of Wesley Hotel to explain the circumstances surrounding the incident, noting that the comedian had attended the birthday celebration after being invited by the host.
“Porkupyne left this evening, went to Wesley Hotel for an occasion. Wesley Hotel needs to come outside to tell us what happened to Porkupyne tonight,” he said.
Okponmwan urged the Edo State government to ensure that those responsible for the alleged attack were identified and brought to justice.
“The Edo State government must come outside to find these people that did this to him,” he said.
The ADC candidate further linked the incident to political activities by opposition members and their efforts to demand improved governance in the state.
ADC Candidate Displays Vandalised Vehicle
In another video shared with SaharaReporters, Okponmwan displayed his damaged Sienna vehicle, showing smashed windscreens, headlights and side windows.
He described the destruction of the vehicle as an attack on his property in connection with his political participation.
Okponmwan also criticised what he described as the growing tendency to treat elections as a do-or-die affair.
“This is my car. If you put that, thugs, hoodlums, this is what they did to my car,” he said while displaying the damage.
He added, “Everyone has the right to contest an election in Edo State. You know, election should not be do-or-die.”
The ADC candidate called on the Inspector-General of Police and the Edo State Commissioner of Police to investigate the incident and identify those responsible.
“I’m calling on the Commissioner of Police. I’m calling on the Edo State Government. They must look for the people that did this thing because insecurity should not just be when it favours you,” he said.
Okponmwan Vows to Continue Political Campaign
Despite the incident, Okponmwan maintained that the alleged attack and the vandalism of his vehicle would not stop him from participating in the electoral process.
“But we are not going to back out. We are not backing out. I’m not going to back out,” he said.
He said he would continue canvassing for votes and encouraging residents to support his party despite the incident.
The ADC candidate also criticised the economic situation in Edo State, referring to rising petrol prices as one of the issues contributing to public dissatisfaction.
He urged security agencies to ensure that political disagreements did not expose residents to violence, intimidation or the destruction of property.
“They should please open an investigation into this issue, to fish out all these perpetrators,” he said.
Police Yet to Respond to Alleged Attack
SaharaReporters said efforts to obtain an official response from the Edo State Police Command were unsuccessful.
The command’s spokesperson, ASP Eno Nkereuwem Ikoedem, reportedly did not answer calls as of the time of filing the report.
As of publication, there was no official confirmation identifying those responsible for the alleged attack on Porkupyne or the vandalism of Okponmwan’s vehicle.
The circumstances surrounding the incident, including the alleged political motive, remain unverified by the police.
The incident has raised concerns about the safety of political critics and opposition figures in Edo State, as calls grow for security agencies to investigate the allegations and establish the facts.
