From Moshood Karim
The President of the Network of Civil Society Organisations of Nigeria, Comrade Ogbidi Emmanuel, at a world press conference on Tuesday in Benin City called on the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, to arrest and prosecute those responsible for the recent attack near the Benin City Airport recently.
The attack, which occurred on Airport Road in Benin City, resulted in the death of a police officer, Inspector Onu Akon, who was serving as Monday Okpebholo’s orderly, and left several others injured.
Comrade Emmanuel condemned the incident, describing it as an “uncivilized display” by members of the political class and armed thugs.
He expressed frustration over the lack of arrests, noting that more than three weeks had passed since the attack.
Emmanuel lambasted the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) for what he described as a lack of action despite the widespread circulation of footage from the incident on social media.
“Twenty-six days after that uncivilised display of the political class and some thugs who brandished several guns and light weapons in an action that could best be described as a mini civil war, the Nigeria Police Force is yet to arrest those who were obviously visible in the eyes of camera lenses that have since gone viral on various social media platforms,” Emmanuel stated.
He further accused the police of turning a blind eye to the incident, suggesting that their inaction implied complicity or bias in favour of the ruling party at the national level. Emmanuel urged the police to act swiftly, warning that the delay had cast doubt on the ability of the Edo State Police Command to maintain order as the State’s gubernatorial election approaches.
“We, therefore, call on the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, and other security agencies to arrest and prosecute all involved, irrespective of their political affiliations, inclinations, or sympathies,” Emmanuel said.
“Edo people will have no iota of confidence if the needed action is not taken immediately.”
In addition to his call for police action, Emmanuel urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure that the upcoming gubernatorial election in Edo State is conducted in a manner that is free, fair, and transparent.
He said there is need for the election to be an improvement on the 2023 general elections, which he criticized for alleged manipulation of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the failure to transmit results electronically as promised.
The attack at the Benin airport is seen as part of the ongoing political tensions in Edo State, following the court judgment and impeachment of the former deputy governor.
Civil society groups are now closely monitoring the situation, calling for justice and the upholding of democratic principles in the State.
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