Ayomidele Oluwasusi
BENIN CITY – A Nigerian policeman reportedly died on Thursday when some gunmen attacked the Edo State Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu’s security details in Benin, Edo State capital.
The attack was alleged to have been carried out by state-sponsored thugs and members of the Edo State Security Network (ESSN).
Heavy shootings left the cheering crowd who had come to welcome the reinstated deputy governor back to Benin, to scamper for their dear lives, seeking protection from stray bullets.
However, it took the effort and intervention of security officers to rescue the situation, leaving the state-sponsored thugs and local vigilantes to run from the spot and allowing the rallying crowd to reconvene.
One gallant police officer attached to the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo, whose motorcade rode alongside the deputy governor’s convoy, lost his life in the unprovoked attack, with several officers and supporters reportedly wounded, local news outlets report.
“The Edo State Deputy Governor, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu, Thursday afternoon, escaped an assassination attempt on his life in Benin City the state capital,” a statement issued by Shaibu’s media team dated July 18, 2024 said.
“The attempt on the life of the deputy governor and other VIPs, including supporters who were at the Benin Airport to receive him, was carried out at the Airport exit gate roundabout, near Faith Mediplex.
“The attack orchestrated by state-sponsored thugs and members of the Edo State Security Network (ESSN), witnessed sporadic shootings that left the cheering crowd who had come to welcome the reinstated deputy governor back to Benin, scampering for their dear lives seeking protection from the flying stray bullets.
“However, it took the effort and intervention of security officers to rescue the situation, leaving the state-sponsored thugs and local vilgiantees to run from the spot and allowing the rallying crowd to reconvene.
“Sadly, one gallant police officer attached to the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo, whose rode alongside the deputy governor’s convoy, lost his life in the unprovoked brutal attack, with several officers and supporters wounded,” the statement added.
The Edo State Police Command did not immediately respond to request for comment.
The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, the country’s capital, on Wednesday, reinstated Mr. Philip Shaibu as the deputy governor of Edo State.
Shaibu was impeached in April, following the adoption of the report of a seven-man investigative panel set up by the state’s house of assembly to probe allegations of misconduct against him. Omobayo Marvelous Godwins, 37, was selected as replacement.
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