Panic engulfed Benin City on Wednesday following sporadic gunfire near the Edo Governorship Election Tribunal premises, raising significant security concerns. The incident unfolded on Reservation Street, near Ezoti Junction, adjacent to the High Court complex.
Shocking Display of Violence
In a now-viral video, a youth wearing a cap branded with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) logo was seen loading bullets into a pump-action rifle. Emerging from an unregistered white Toyota Hilux van, the individual fired multiple shots into the air, sending bystanders into panic.
Eyewitnesses recounted that the gunshots disrupted tribunal proceedings, with armed policemen nearby reportedly failing to intervene. The assailant, shouting “Give us our mandate,” was joined by another individual before they fled in the Hilux van.
Reactions from Political Parties
The incident has sparked accusations between the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the PDP, with both parties trading blame.
APC Reaction
The Edo State APC Chairman, Jarrett Tenebe, accused PDP supporters of orchestrating the violence, describing it as a direct attack on the judicial process.
“Today’s shooting incident near the Governorship Election Tribunal involving members of the opposition PDP is deeply disturbing and unacceptable. Any act of violence within its precinct undermines our legal system and endangers everyone involved,” Tenebe said.
He called on authorities to swiftly bring the perpetrators to justice.
PDP Denial
The Acting Chairman of the PDP Caretaker Committee in Edo State, Tony Aziegbemi, refuted the allegations, claiming the APC staged the attack to implicate the PDP.
“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 alleged.
He maintained that PDP supporters had been directed to avoid the tribunal proceedings, accusing the APC of disguising their operatives in PDP-branded attire to cause chaos.
Calls for Justice
Aziegbemi criticized law enforcement for failing to apprehend the gun-wielding assailant, whose identity was visible in the video. He urged the police to investigate and prosecute the culprit, ensuring that the tribunal proceedings are conducted in a secure environment.
Ongoing Concerns
This incident has heightened tension in Edo State, with observers expressing concern over the escalating political rivalry. Both parties have reiterated their commitment to seeking justice while urging law enforcement agencies to prevent further violence.
The Edo Governorship Election Tribunal remains a focal point as the dispute over the state’s governorship mandate continues.
