Senator Monday Okpebholo: APC Guber Candidate in Edo Hospitalized After Attack by Political Thugs.
The APC Governorship candidate in Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, is reportedly hospitalized in an unidentified hospital after some suspected political thugs attacked his convoy in Benin City.
One policeman died during the Thursday afternoon attack, while two others were injured.
Read Also: Dollar to Naira Exchange Rate at Black Market (Aboki FX) July 19, 2024: USD to NGN CBN Rate
According to a statement by Godswill Inegbe, the Legislative Aide to Okpebholo in charge of Media & Communication, members of the Edo State Security Network and thugs allegedly sponsored by the State Government, led by Francis Inegbeniki, carried out the attack.
In the statement, it was reported that during the attack, three mobile policemen attached to Okpebholo’s security detail were injured, and later one was confirmed dead.
Ejes Gist had earlier reported that some armed thugs attacked the convoy of Okpebholo and Phillip Shaibu, the immediate past Deputy Governor of Edo State, at the Benin Airport. The incident occurred at about 2 pm as the duo arrived from Abuja aboard a chartered private jet.
According to eyewitnesses, unknown gunmen, who were traveling in a Toyota Sienna bus, laid an ambush at the exit gate of the airport and rained bullets on the convoy conveying Okpebholo and Shaibu. Security details attached to the APC candidate and that of Shaibu responded with gunshots, and an exchange of shots ensued.
The incident has increased fears over the security situation of the state with a governorship election barely a month away. Political leaders and ordinary citizens have condemned the attack, calling for an investigation to bring its perpetrators to book.
Governor Godwin Obaseki expressed shock over the incident and assured members of the public that the state government would increase its efforts at ensuring the safety of all residents in the state. Already, police have opened an investigation on the attack, vowing to fish out those behind the evil act and forestall future recurrence.
The incident has reopened once again the maelstrom of political violence in Nigeria, as many are demanding urgent reforms to secure the democratic process. Die-hard loyalists have rallied up for Okpebholo, declaring solidarity and praying for his quick recovery.
According to the campaign team, although this attack has thrown them off guard, by no means will it deter their will to go forward in conducting political activities and vying for victory in the election.
