A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State, Mr. Reuben Pius, has raised an urgent alarm over what he describes as repeated threats to his life and the safety of his family.

Mr. Pius, the Ward Secretary of PDP Ward 7 in Oredo Local Government Area, is publicly alleging that the threats are coming from members of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Mr. Pius, who has been a loyal member of the PDP for over eight years and actively supported Dr. Asue Ighodalo, the party’s candidate in the 2024 governorship election, claims his troubles began after he voiced opposition to godfatherism in politics and consistently refused overtures to defect to the APC.

He specifically alleged that the APC youth leader in Oredo, identified as Mr. Sunny Obahon, along with two other individuals, repeatedly approached him to join their party, an offer he claims to have firmly rejected.

Recounting a specific incident, Mr. Pius stated that on September 15, 2024, during a PDP campaign rally at New Benin, he and his team were assaulted by armed men carrying guns, cutlasses, and axes.

“They came for me. I had to run for safety,” he said, noting that the attack was reported to the police.

The Ward Secretary further claimed that the intimidation has escalated into repeated attempts on his life and attacks on his home in Benin City.

He sorrowfully recounted that when the attackers could not find him, “they attacked my son’s mother and my child, demanding to know my whereabouts.”

Mr. Pius lamented that the threats have continued unabated, with the alleged attackers giving him a one-month ultimatum to join the APC or face death.

He claimed the group boasted of belonging to a secret cult and having protection from people in high places.

He noted that the prevailing atmosphere of fear has already compelled many of his supporters to abandon the PDP.

Despite the alleged destruction of his property and the danger faced by his family, Mr. Pius declared his steadfast loyalty, “I have refused to give up. I remain committed to Dr. Asue Ighodalo and the PDP.”

He concluded by making a passionate appeal to security agencies, imploring them to urgently intervene and protect his life, stating he no longer feels safe anywhere in the country.