3 hours ago
3 ARTICLE AD
Monday Okpebholo and Asue Ighodalo
Tension gripped Benin City on Wednesday when suspected thugs fired sporadic gunshots near the Edo Governorship Election Tribunal premises, heightening security concerns in the area.
The incident occurred on Reservation Street, near Ezoti Junction, adjacent to the High Court complex.
A viral video captured a youth, wearing a cap branded with the logo of the Peoples Democratic Party loading bullets into a pump-action rifle.
Emerging from an unregistered white Toyota Hilux van, he fired multiple shots into the air, causing panic among bystanders.
Eyewitnesses reported that the gunshots echoed into the tribunal premises, disrupting proceedings as startled passersby stood in shock. Meanwhile, armed policemen in the vicinity reportedly made no effort to intervene.
The assailant, shouting, “Give us our mandate,” was joined by another individual, after which they both re-entered the Hilux van and sped away.
Reacting to the incident, the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress in Edo State, Jarrett Tenebe, accused supporters of PDP of orchestrating the attack.
Tenebe condemned the violence, calling it an affront to the sanctity of the legal process.
“Today’s shooting incident near the Governorship Election Tribunal in Benin City involving members of the opposition PDP is deeply disturbing and unacceptable.
“The tribunal is a sacred space where justice should be administered impartially. Any act of violence within its precinct undermines our legal system and endangers everyone involved,” Tenebe said.
He urged the authorities to ensure those responsible are brought to justice.
In contrast, the Acting Chairman of the PDP Caretaker Committee in Edo State, Tony Aziegbemi, denied the allegations, describing them as baseless and a ploy by the APC to tarnish the party’s image.
Aziegbemi alleged that the APC orchestrated the violence, disguising their thugs in PDP-branded attire to disrupt proceedings and mislead the public.
“The APC, scared of justice, has continued its devious ploy to frustrate the PDP from reclaiming the mandate given to us by Edo people in the last governorship election,” Aziegbemi said.
He added, “The PDP directed all its supporters and members to stay away from the tribunal proceedings today. This directive was strictly adhered to because we anticipated APC’s plans to instigate violence.”
Aziegbemi expressed disappointment that the police failed to apprehend the gun-wielding assailant, whose face was visible in the viral video.
He called on law enforcement agencies to ensure the perpetrator is arrested and prosecuted.
