FROM IKHILI EBALU, BENIN CITY
Edo State Police Command has begun investigation into the violence leading to sporadic shooting at the Edo Governorship Election Tribunal in Benin on Wednesday.
AljazirahNigeria recalls that there was sporadic shooting around the Tribunal while it was in session.
The presence of armed thugs, who converged on Ezoti Street junction beside Edo State High Court Complex in Benin, chanting “give us our mandate,” forced residents indoors, while workers at the Museum for West Africa Arts, MOWAA, construction site scampered for safety.
The thugs ignored the heavy security presence including men of the Nigeria Police Force who cordoned off the various routes leading to the venue.
Speaking in an interview with AljazirahNigeria, the police spokesman, SP Moses Yamu said the command is investigating the incident and would bring the culprits to book.
State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Emperor Jarret Tenebe condemned the incident in a statement, describing the act of violence as deeply disturbing.
According to him, “Resorting to violence to resolve disputes is never justifiable, regardless of political affiliation.
“Violence has no place in a civilised society and those responsible for this heinous act must be brought to justice swiftly and without exception.
“Any act of violence within its walls undermines the very foundation of our legal system and threatens the safety of all involved,” Tenebe said.
Also reacting, State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Caretaker Committee, Tony Aziegbemi said the incident was a devious ploy to frustrate the party from reclaiming the mandate duly given to it by Edo people in the September 21, 2024 governorship election at the tribunal.
He alleged that the APC deployed thugs disguised in PDP-branded attire to disrupt the legal process.
