Omoniyi David
Auchi, Edo State – Okhai Okhani, Coordinator of Edo North Unity Worldwide, was brutally assaulted by over 50 armed vigilantes and thugs on Saturday, July 26, 2025, during a stakeholders’ summit he organized in Auchi, Etsako West Local Government Area, Edo State. Okhani is currently in critical condition at an undisclosed hospital.
A viral video circulating online shows Okhani being severely beaten as attackers destroyed banners, valuables, and brutalized other guests at the event.
Narrating his harrowing ordeal on Monday, Okhani stated that the annual summit was intended to assess and honour political office holders from Edo North. He confirmed that prominent figures, including Senator Adams Oshiomhole, Peter Akpatason, Anamero Sunday, Hussein Mustapher, and others, were officially invited. Okhani added that he had secured approval from the acting Etsako West council chairman, Valentine Okuilagwe, to use the venue.
He strongly alleged that the attack was politically motivated. “Shortly before the event commenced, vigilantes and thugs stormed the venue, beat us with machetes and clubs, and even filmed the violence. They threw me into their Hilux, continued brutalizing me with rifle butts and later detained me at Auchi Area Command for over four hours without charges,” Okhani recounted.
Okhani further accused certain political actors of orchestrating the assault because the summit’s assessment “was not in their favour.” He also raised a serious alarm regarding the alleged use of vigilante groups as tools of intimidation in the Edo North senatorial district.
He has urgently called on the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Army, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Edo State Government to swiftly arrest those responsible for the assault and ensure justice is served.
The Edo State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Moses Iyamu, confirmed the incident, stating that an investigation has been launched into the matter.
