Senator Monday Okpebholo, the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Edo State, is currently receiving medical attention at an undisclosed hospital following an attack on his convoy by suspected political thugs in Benin City.
The attack, which occurred on Thursday afternoon, left one policeman dead and two others injured.
According to a statement released by Godswill Inegbe, Legislative Aide to Okpebholo in charge of Media & Communication, the attack was carried out by members of the Edo State Security Network and Edo state government-sponsored thugs allegedly led by Francis Inegbeniki. The statement revealed that three mobile policemen attached to Okpebholo’s security detail were injured in the attack, with one later confirmed dead.
POLITICS NIGERIA earlier reported that armed thugs opened fire on the convoy of Okpebholo and Phillip Shaibu, the former Deputy Governor of Edo State, at the Benin Airport. The attack occurred around 2 pm as the duo arrived from Abuja aboard a chartered private jet.
Eyewitnesses reported that the unknown gunmen, traveling in a Toyota Sienna bus, positioned themselves at the airport’s exit gate and unleashed bullets on the convoy carrying Okpebholo and Shaibu. The security details attached to the APC candidate and Shaibu retaliated with gunfire, leading to a fierce exchange of shots.
Further details about the attack are still emerging, and the authorities are yet to confirm the identities of the assailants. The Edo State Police Command has launched an investigation into the incident and vowed to bring the perpetrators to justice.
The political atmosphere in Edo State has been tense ahead of the upcoming governorship election, with increasing reports of violence and intimidation. Senator Okpebholo’s campaign team has called for increased security measures to ensure the safety of candidates and their supporters.
This incident underscores the need for all political stakeholders to prioritize peace and security during the electoral process to prevent further violence and ensure a fair and transparent election.
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