One of the security aides attached to Senator Monday Okpebholo, Candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the September 21st 2024 governorship poll was on Thursday shot dead by gunmen in Edo Statem
Heavy gunshots rented the air after Okpebholo and Mr Philip Shaibu, who was reinstated as Edo State deputy Governor, following a Federal High Court judgement on his way from Benin Airport on in Wednesday July 17 2024 in Benin City.
Scores of party supported and close aides to Senator Okpebholo who escaped by whiskers during the attack, have been hospitalized at undisclosed hospital.
It was leant that the victim identified as Inspector Akor Onu, died at an undisclosed Medical facility after the unprovoked attack.
There was commotion at the crime scene as commuters and Pedestrians as well as shop owners closed their shops temporarily during the stand-off.
Mr Godswill Inegbe, Legislative Aide to Senator Monday Okpebholo in charge of Media and Communication, blamed the state sponsored brutal attack involving thugs in Security Network informs led by a Chieftain of Peoples Democratic party (PDP) in the State, Francis Inegbineki who has denied involvement in the crime.
The State in a statement, warned Shaibu against act of violence under the guise of enforcing the Court judgement.
A statement, endorsed by the State Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Mr Chris Nehikhare, brushed aside the casualties linked to the planned assassination attempt on Senate Okpebholo.
Part of the statement reads, “The State Government through this statement is warning Shaibu to desist from this turn to violence in the pretense that he is enforcing a judgement.
“He (Shaibu) is reminded that he is not above the law and is liable for the wanton destruction perpetrated by him and his co-travellers”, Nehikhare warned.
It was learnt that due to the attack, a town Hall meeting that was conveyed by Candidate of Peoples Democratic party (PDP), Mr Asue Ighodalo who was billed to address his party members and supporters at Urhokpota Hall on Thursday afternoon, was immediately put off.
TheNewspad report that PDP supporters at the meeting, dispersed to different directions after reports from the hierarchy of the ruling party that the ceremony has been called-off.
A dependable source hinted that Philip Shaibu, was attempting to forcefully takeover his office which had been demolished of a prominent actor in the crisis.
Already, protest by APC supporters who have called for the arrest and prosecution of the culprits has erupted.
Military personnel and other security agents have been drafted to restore peace in parts of Benin City, including Government facilities across the State.
A Press statement is being awaited from the Nigeria Police Command in Edo State.
In the meantime, jaw-breaking footages of the fatal attack have sparked furore over deliberate attempts by the ruling class to silent voices of dissent and shrink the democratic space ahead of the poll.
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