July 20, 2024
By Osaiyekemwen Confidence
The media consultant for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State’s 2024 governorship campaign, Prince Kassim Afegbua, has accused gunmen who attacked a procession along Airport Road on Thursday of plotting to assassinate the APC’s gubernatorial candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo.
During a press briefing at the state party secretariat on Friday, Afegbua condemned the attack, which led to the death of Inspector Akor Onu, Senator Okpebholo’s police orderly. He asserted that the peaceful procession from the airport to the APC Secretariat would have proceeded without incident had it not been for the ambush at the Benin Airport exit.
Afegbua claimed that the gunmen, identified by security agents as opposition party members allegedly sponsored by the Edo State government, had orchestrated the attack. He emphasized that this act of violence against a sitting senator should be universally condemned by the Federal Government and Edo State residents.
“This unprovoked horrific act of political violence against a peaceful Nigerian Senator should have no place in Edo State,” Afegbua stated. He added that the incident highlighted a significant security lapse by the police, leaving Senator Okpebholo exposed to gunfire.
The APC has petitioned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, and the State Security Service to investigate the assassination attempt and hold the perpetrators accountable. Afegbua urged authorities to address state-sponsored violence, warning that failure to do so could incite self-help in the state as the campaign season intensifies. He criticized the Edo State Commissioner of Police, Funsho Adegboye, for his handling of the situation, calling for his removal for incompetence.
Meanwhile, the state government, represented by Commissioner for Communication and Orientation Chris Nehikhare and Special Adviser on Media Projects Crusoe Osagie, has called for an investigation into Comrade Philip Shaibu, accusing him of masterminding the attack. They also extended condolences to the family of the deceased officer.
Edo State Police Commissioner Folusho Adegboye confirmed that the command has identified some individuals involved in the attack and pledged that those found guilty will face the full force of the law following thorough investigations.
