Police Leadership Shake-up as Gunmen Attack Peter Obi and Odigie-Oyegun in Edo State
Nigeria’s security landscape faced a turbulent 24 hours as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu accepted the sudden resignation of Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, shortly before high-profile political figures were targeted in a violent ambush in Edo State.
The Presidency announced on Tuesday evening that Egbetokun had stepped down from his role, citing "pressing family considerations." While officially described as a voluntary exit, the resignation comes amid intensified scrutiny of nationwide security challenges. In a swift move to fill the vacuum, President Tinubu appointed Assistant Inspector General (AIG) Tunji Disu as the Acting Inspector General of Police. Disu, a veteran officer known for leading the Lagos State Rapid Response Squad, assumes command at a critical juncture for the nation's internal stability.
The urgency of this leadership transition was underscored on Tuesday by a brazen attack in Benin City. Suspected gunmen targeted a delegation including former presidential candidate Peter Obi, former APC National Chairman Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, and several African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftains. The assault occurred at the residence of Chief Odigie-Oyegun following the formal declaration of Olumide Akpata as an ADC member.
Witnesses reported that armed individuals trailed the group from the ADC Secretariat before opening fire on the property. Visual evidence from the scene showed bullet-riddled gates and several smashed SUV windscreens. Dr. Yunusa Tanko, National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, described the incident as a survived assassination attempt, warning that "democracy is in danger."
The attack in Edo adds significant pressure to Acting IGP Disu’s first days in office. Beyond managing the fallout of political violence, Disu faces an internal "career crisis" within the Force. As a junior AIG, his promotion could potentially trigger the compulsory retirement of as many as 28 senior officers, including seven Deputy Inspectors General (DIGs), who are senior to him in the police hierarchy.
As the Nigeria Police Council prepares to meet for Disu’s formal consideration, the Edo incident serves as a stark reminder of the volatile security environment awaiting the new police chief. With political tensions rising following the recent Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) elections, stakeholders are watching closely to see if this change in leadership will provide the "security reset" the country demands.
