BENIN CITY, Edo State — Rita Ebiuwa has expressed outrage and deep disappointment over what she describes as growing political hatred and intolerance in Edo State, following the reported attack on comedian and entertainer Osagie Daniel Idedia, popularly known as Mc Porkupyne, and reactions from individuals who allegedly celebrated the incident.
In a strongly worded statement, Ebiuwa questioned how she could continue to identify proudly with Edo State when political differences appeared to be driving some people to justify violence against fellow citizens.
“How do I disassociate myself from Edo State so that I will no longer be associated with people who behave like animals and believe they have the right to kill others simply because of politics?” she asked.
Her reaction comes amid widespread attention surrounding the attack on Porkupyne in Benin City, an incident that has prompted condemnation from opposition figures and an investigation by the Edo State Police Command.
According to reports published on Saturday, October 24, the comedian was allegedly attacked by suspected hoodlums while returning from a party in Benin City. Images and video showing him receiving medical treatment subsequently circulated on social media, drawing public attention to his condition and the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The Edo State Police Command confirmed that it had opened an investigation into the reported assault. Police spokesperson ASP Eno Ikoedem said Commissioner of Police Patrick Daaor had ordered an immediate and thorough investigation to establish what happened, identify those involved and ensure that anyone found culpable would face the law.
The police condemned violence, assault and unlawful attacks, urging residents to embrace peace, mutual respect and lawful conduct. The command also appealed to members of the public with useful information to assist investigators.
The incident has also generated political reactions. Former Vice-President and African Democratic Congress presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar condemned the attack, describing it as politically motivated and alleging that Porkupyne was targeted because of his political support and criticism of the government.
Atiku called on the police to identify those responsible and investigate whether anyone sponsored or facilitated the assault. His claims about the motive and political responsibility for the attack remain allegations, and the police investigation is expected to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.
It was against this background of public anger and political controversy that Ebiuwa raised questions about the state’s political atmosphere and the apparent willingness of some individuals to celebrate another person’s suffering.
She said her disappointment deepened after hearing a woman reportedly express happiness over the attack and attempt to justify it.
“As a woman, how can I share the same state of origin with another woman who celebrates violence against a fellow human being simply because of political differences?” she queried.
Ebiuwa’s concern was not limited to the alleged assault itself. She questioned what she considered a troubling decline in political tolerance, asking when disagreements over parties, personalities and governance became grounds for hostility against fellow citizens.
Her comments highlight a wider concern about political participation in Nigeria, where supporters of different parties must be able to express their views, criticise public officials and advocate for their preferred candidates without fear of violence.
Political disagreements are a normal part of democratic life. However, the right to support a political party, oppose an administration or demand accountability does not justify physical attacks, threats or intimidation. Equally, celebrating violence against someone because of their political affiliation risks deepening divisions and encouraging a culture in which partisan loyalty is placed above human dignity.
Ebiuwa also expressed frustration over Edo State’s public image, lamenting that the state was increasingly attracting attention for controversy rather than positive developments.
She specifically criticised the state’s political leadership, mentioning All Progressives Congress chairman Jarret Tenebe and Governor Monday Okpebholo. She accused the governor’s administration of incompetence, lack of direction and poor leadership, reflecting her personal political assessment.
Her remarks come as political tensions and public debate over governance continue ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections. The attack on Porkupyne has intensified scrutiny of allegations of political intimidation in Edo, although the identity of those responsible and the motive for the assault have not been conclusively established in the reports reviewed.
Ebiuwa said the embarrassment and public mockery associated with the situation had become difficult to bear, prompting her to question whether she could still identify proudly with her state of origin.
“Please, someone should tell me how to disassociate myself from Edo State, because the embarrassment, shame and constant mockery have become too much for me to bear,” she said.
She added that the state she sees today does not reflect the Edo State she remembers growing up in.
“This is not the Edo State I grew up knowing, and certainly not the Edo State I want to be associated with,” she declared.
Her statement expresses a sense of disappointment that extends beyond party politics. It raises questions about the values citizens expect from their communities, the conduct they tolerate from fellow residents and the responsibility of political leaders to discourage hostility among their supporters.
Nevertheless, the conduct of particular individuals should not automatically be treated as representative of every Edo citizen. The state is home to people across political divides, including residents who reject violence, defend peaceful disagreement and believe that no political disagreement should cost anyone their safety.
The crucial question arising from the controversy is whether the attack on Porkupyne will lead to accountability and a clearer understanding of what happened, or whether the incident will deepen political divisions without those responsible being identified.
The police have announced an investigation, but the public will ultimately expect credible findings, accountability for anyone found responsible and respect for due process. Allegations of political involvement must be examined thoroughly rather than treated as established fact before the investigation is completed.
Ebiuwa’s central concern remains the normalisation of hatred and the apparent celebration of violence when the victim is viewed as a political opponent. Her reaction is a reminder that political loyalty should not require citizens to abandon empathy, excuse assault or treat the suffering of others as a victory for their side.
For Edo State, preserving its reputation requires more than defending its image against criticism. It requires a political environment in which residents can disagree without fear, public officials are open to scrutiny and violence is rejected regardless of the identity or political affiliation of the victim.
For citizens who are disappointed by the state of affairs, the answer may not necessarily be to abandon their identity, but to insist that the values they associate with Edo State—dignity, justice, peaceful coexistence and respect for human life—are upheld by leaders and residents alike.
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