A triumphant homecoming turned tragic yesterday as hoodlums launched a deadly attack on the convoy of Edo State Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu and All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Monday Okpebholo.
The violence erupted shortly after the two political figures arrived at Benin Airport to a jubilant reception by supporters celebrating their recent court victory.
The attack claimed the life of Police Inspector Akor Onu, who was providing security for Okpebholo. Several of his colleagues and innocent bystanders sustained injuries in the ambush.
All the wounded were promptly taken to undisclosed hospitals across Benin, the state capital. It remains unclear if Okpebholo himself was injured in the incident, though he has been admitted to a hospital for medical attention.
Security forces, including military personnel, were swiftly deployed throughout Benin and its surrounding areas to forestall any potential reprisals. Attempts to reach Edo Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) Chidi Nwabuzor for comments were unsuccessful.
Uptown Press reports that, the attack occurred as Shaibu and Okpebholo’s motorcade traveled down the dualised Benin Airport Road. Witnesses reported that the assailants, riding in a Toyota Sienna, opened fire on the convoy, resulting in chaos and bloodshed. The incident has cast a shadow over the duo’s celebration of Shaibu’s reinstatement as deputy governor by the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Godswill Inegbe, Okpebholo’s legislative aide in charge of media and communication, provided details of the assault, stating that three riot policemen suffered severe injuries. He also alleged that the attack was orchestrated by thugs led by a former APC member who recently defected to another political party.
“This afternoon, the motorcade of Senator Monday Okpebholo, the APC’s governorship candidate in Edo State, was attacked by thugs,” Inegbe said. “During the unprovoked attack, three mobile policemen attached to the security detail of Senator Okpebholo were injured, while one of the policemen has been declared dead. Senator Okpebholo is currently admitted in an undisclosed hospital in Benin City, receiving medical attention, and other members of his entourage, who were victims of the attack, are in various hospitals in Benin City.”
The APC members in Edo State have condemned the violent act, calling for the immediate arrest and prosecution of the perpetrators and their leader.
The incident has heightened tensions ahead of the upcoming September 21 gubernatorial election, underscoring the volatile political climate in the region.
