Edo Police Command Invites Labour Party Gubernatorial Candidate Over UNIBEN Attack

The Edo State Police Command has invited Olumide Akpata, the Labour Party’s gubernatorial candidate for the forthcoming September 21, 2024 election, to discuss the alleged security breaches and shootings that occurred at the University of Benin (UNIBEN) last Friday.

The incident reportedly took place during an investiture ceremony at the invitation of the UNIBEN Staff Club.

The invitation comes after the police initiated an investigation into the crisis, with the State Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, Chidi Nwabuzor, confirming that investigators in the Political Desk Session of the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) served the invitation to Akpata on April 16, 2024.

Akpata has alleged that the attack was orchestrated by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state and the State Government in an attempt to assassinate him.

The Labour Party’s state chairman, Kelly Ogbaloi, confirmed the receipt of the police invitation and stated that he would honor the request.

In response to the attack, the Edo State Government and the University of Benin have both issued statements condemning the violence and expressing their commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all individuals within the state.

The university has set up a Committee headed by Professor Frederick Ekhaise to investigate the incident and report its findings to management within a week.

The Edo State Government has warned that it will not tolerate violence or irresponsible behavior and will ensure that anyone who breaches the peace, regardless of their position, will face the full weight of the law.

As the investigation into the UNIBEN attack continues, the incident serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining peace and order during the upcoming gubernatorial election in Edo State.