At least one policeman reportedly died on Thursday during an attack on the security details of Edo State Deputy Governor, Philip Shuaibu, in Benin.
The incident, captured in a viral video, occurred during a gun battle allegedly between the Edo State Security Network (ESSN) and the deputy governor’s convoy.
A press statement issued by Shaibu’s media team confirmed the attack, stating, “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.”
The statement detailed the incident, noting, “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.”
According to the statement, the attack involved state-sponsored thugs and members of the ESSN, leading to sporadic shootings.
“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,” it read.
Security officers intervened to manage the situation, causing the assailants to flee.
“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,” the statement explained.
Tragically, the statement reported, “One gallant police officer attached to the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo, who rode alongside the deputy governor’s convoy, lost his life in the unprovoked brutal attack, with several officers and supporters wounded.”
Attempts to reach the Edo State Police Command for comments, at the time this report was filed, were unsuccessful, as the phone number was unreachable despite several attempts by our correspondent.