Police confirm killing of officer in Benin attack; Okpebholo vows to bring killers to book

By Usman Aliyu

Benin, July 19, 2024

The Commissioner of Police in Edo, Funsho Adegboye, has confirmed the killing of a police officer, Inspector Onu Akon in the attack on the Edo governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Monday Okpebholo and the reinstated Deputy Governor of the state, Philips Shaibu.

This ia as Senator Okpebholo said he will not rest until the killers of Inspector Akon, who was his security aide, are brought to book.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that gunmen fired at the convoy of the two politicians on Thursday while they were leaving the Benin Airport shortly after they arrived from Abuja.

Adegboye, who confirmed the killing of the officer while addressing newsmen on Friday in Benin, described the incident as unfortunate and preventable.

According to him, if political gladiators and actors play the game by the rules, the event of Thursday would not have happened.

“It is unfortunate we lost him, but it is a very preventable and avoidable issue.

“I want to appeal to all our political gladiators and actors that if we play the game according to the rules, the ugly incident would not have happened.

“I am talking to our political gladiators generally irrespective of party affiliations, including our supporters.

“It is a simple thing, if there is a court case; this has to be pursued to a logical conclusion in the court.

“This will make the job of police simple. Our job is simple if our political gladiators want to make it so.

“The court will direct the bailiff to enforce most judgements.

“It is the duty of the police to protect the bailiff for his safety and the instruction will come from the appropriate quarters,” he said.

The commissioner   warned against creation of unnecessary tension, saying Sept. 21 governorship election was still far away.

“Like I said, there are laid down rules and regulations to enforce whatever judgement or counter-judgement you have,” he said.

The Police, according to him, were the most bereaved because the officer was one of the best in the command.

In a condolence message, Okpebholo demanded justice for the police orderly, saying the perpetrators of the unprovoked brutal attack must be charged.

Contrary to a report by the state government earlier on Friday that Shaibu was allegedly responsible for the attacks, Okpebholo said Shaibu was with him and some of his supporters were also injured.

He said the injured were currently receiving treatment in various hospitals in Benin City.

Okpebholo has expressed sadness and condoled with the family of his orderly who was killed during the unprovoked attack.

“I will not rest until the perpetrators of the unprovoked brutal attack on me, leading to the cruel and violent killing of Inspector Akon are brought to justice.

“I empathise with the injured members of his convoy, who are receiving treatments in various hospitals in Benin City,” he said.

Okpebholo described the police inspector as good and one of the finest in the Nigeria Police Force.

“Inspector Akon was unreservedly committed to his assigned duty, and due to his exceptional commitment and effective policing we became friends for over 12 years,” he said.

He assured the bereaved family members that the brutal killing of their breadwinner would not be swept under the carpet by any guise.

Okpebholo prayed for the repose of the soul of the deceased and speedy recovery for the injured during the attack.