The home of a UK-based media critic and Edo State indigene, Albert Obazee, was allegedly set ablaze on New Year’s Eve by hoodlums said to be linked to a loyalist of Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo.

Eyewitnesses reported that the attack occurred late Wednesday night in Obazee’s neighbourhood, where a group of young men allegedly forced their way into the property carrying bottles believed to contain petrol and kerosene.

According to accounts from residents, the attackers smashed windows, destroyed household items, and poured accelerants around the building before setting it on fire. An occupant of the house, who spoke anonymously, said the assailants vandalised the property before igniting the blaze.

Video footage obtained by SaharaReporters showed the building engulfed in flames, with visible remnants of plastic bags containing fuel-filled bottles, suggesting the attack was premeditated. Several rooms, including the kitchen and living areas, were reportedly destroyed, rendering the house uninhabitable.

Obazee, who is known for his outspoken criticism of the Okpebholo administration and commentary on Edo State politics, was reportedly targeted shortly after the governor made comments in a previous interview that many perceived as threats against him.

As of the time of reporting, neither the Edo State Government nor the Nigeria Police Force had issued an official statement regarding the incident, and no arrests had been confirmed.

SaharaReporters had earlier reported that Governor Okpebholo publicly threatened Obazee, stating that he would ensure the critic was imprisoned and prevented from returning freely to Nigeria. In a video interview, the governor admitted to closely monitoring Obazee’s social media posts, including those critical of his administration.

The incident has further heightened tension, with allegations that thugs loyal to the governor and led by Edo APC youth leader, Tony Kabaka, were responsible for the attack at Obazee’s residence in Amagba, Benin City.

Another eyewitness residing within the compound confirmed the incident but declined to speak on record, citing fear of intimidation. The witness claimed to have seen a large group of armed youths approaching the property shortly before the attack.

The incident reportedly followed Obazee’s social media post alleging that Kabaka had been arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over claims related to the mutilation of NERRA nodes. Kabaka later confirmed he was invited and questioned by the EFCC, which Obazee said supported his earlier report.

About a day after the post, Obazee alleged that his property, valued at millions of naira, had been destroyed in a retaliatory attack.

Reacting to the incident, Obazee said the attack has left him, his family, and occupants of the house living in fear, and called on relevant authorities to investigate the matter.