Police officer feared killed as gunmen attack Okpebholo, Shaibu convoy in Benin

By Usman Aliyu

Benin, July 18, 2024

Gunmen on Thursday in Benin attacked the convoy of the Governorship Candidate of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, and the reinstated Deputy Governor, Mr. Philip Shaibu, killing one of the security details.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) gathered that the incident occurred on Airport Road, when Okpebholo and several others, arrived the city from Abuja aboard a chartered flight.

A police officer was said to have been shot dead while three others were wounded.

It was not immediately known if Okpebholo was wounded, but he is said to be receiving treatment in an undisclosed hospital in Benin City.

A Federal High Court in Abuja, had on Wednesday voided the impeachment of Shaibu as the state’s deputy governor by the state House of Assembly.

The House of Assembly, however, in a statement, said it had appealed the judgement.

The gunmen,  in a vehicle, at the exit gate of the airport, were said to have opened fire on the convoy, which led to a reprisal by the armed security details attached to the APC candidate and Shaibu.

The incident forced shops and offices to hurriedly shut down, while majority of motorists abandoned their vehicles and scampered to safety.

When contacted, SP Chidi Nwabuzor, Public Relations Officer of the Police Command in Edo said the incident was being investigated.

“It is premature for the police to confirm at this time until the investigation is concluded,” he said.

Meanwhile, a check showed that security had been strengthened at the premises of the state Deputy Governor, Godwin Omobayo located at Osadebey Avenue, near the airport, in Benin to forestall any attack on him.

In a statement on Thursday, Edo Government alleged that it had observed the level of wanton destruction perpetrated by thugs working in connivance with the former deputy governor.

Chris Nehikhare, the Commissioner for Communication and Orientation alleged that Shaibu-led thugs have unleashed mayhem on innocent citizens in the guise of enforcing the judgment reinstating him to office.

“We want to reiterate that Shaibu will face the consequences of violence that he has resorted to in pursuit of his aim to return to the Government House even when he is aware that a stay of execution of the judgement has been filed,” he said.

The Commissioner enjoined the general public to be calm and go about their lawful businesses as government restore peace to the ancient city.

However, efforts to get the reaction of Shaibu proved abortive.

But a statement by Mr. Godswill Inegbe, an aide to Okpebholo said his principal was attacked by the gunmen.

“During the unprovoked attack, three mobile policemen attached to the security detail of Sen. Okpebholo were injured with bullet wounds, while one of the policemen has been feared dead,” Inegbe said.

According to him, Okpebholo is at this moment admitted in an undisclosed hospital in Benin for medical attention with other members of the entourage.

The political atmosphere of Edo State was fouled, Thursday as the governorship candidate of the APCAPC, Senator Monday and the re-instated Deputy Governor of the State, Comrade Philip Shaibu and their supporters came under vicious attack by gunmen alleged to be members of the local vigilante group loyal to state governor, Godwin Obaseki and other thugs allegedly mobilised by the governor.

A police man is said to have lost his life while several other security personnel attached to the governorship candidate and the deputy governor were said to have been injured, with Senator Okpe.. reportedly also hospitalised.

Statements by aides of the political chiefs confirmed the attack

Godswill Inegbe

Legislative Aide To Senator Monday Okpebholo

(Media & Communication).

Press Statement: Immediate Call for Federal Intervention in Edo State Following Violent Attack on APC Candidate

Benin City, Edo State –Thursday July 18.

Today, a violent and unprovoked attack was orchestrated by the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Asue Ighodalo, and his ally, Governor Godwin Obaseki, against the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate and his supporters. This reprehensible act occurred on Benin Airport Road as APC members gathered to welcome our candidate back from Abuja. Tragically, three police officers were killed, and numerous individuals were injured by gunfire.

The coordinated assault involved thugs and local vigilantes, mobilized by Governor Obaseki, who opened fire on the peaceful supporters of the APC. This brutality underscores the lengths to which the PDP is willing to go to intimidate and suppress the democratic will of the people of Edo State.

We condemn this act of violence in the strongest possible terms. It is a stark reminder of the PDP’s desperation and willingness to employ violence to achieve their political aims. This attack is not only an assault on the APC but an affront to democracy and the rule of law.

We call on the Federal Government to urgently intervene and ensure the safety of all political actors and the general public in Edo State. It is imperative that the security agencies take swift action to bring the perpetrators to justice and prevent further bloodshed.

We also appeal to the international community and human rights organizations to take note of these developments and hold the PDP accountable for their actions.

The APC remains committed to a peaceful, fair, and democratic election process. We urge our supporters to remain calm and steadfast in the face of provocation and to continue to advocate for positive change through the ballot box.

Edo State deserves better. We call for unity and resilience as we strive to create a safe and prosperous future for all our citizens.

Signed:
Angel Mike( P. M)
Director of Media And Photography, Progressive Team for good governance for
Hon. Chief Dr. Billy Osawaru.

This afternoon, the motorcade of Senator Monday Okpebholo, the APC governorship candidate, was brutally attacked by members of Edo State Security Network and Edo state government sponsored thugs allegedly led by Francis Inegbeniki.

During the unprovoked brutal attack, three mobile policemen attached to the security detail of Senator Okpebholo were injured with bullets wound, while one of the policemen has been declared dead!

Senator Monday Okpebholo is at this moment admitted in an undisclosed hospital in Benin receiving medical attention, and other members of his entourage who were victims of the brutal attack are in various hospitals in Benin City.

Signed:
Godswill Inegbe

Legislative Aide To Senator Monday Okpebholo

(Media & Communication).