The ancient town of Benin was on edge Wednesday as suspected thugs fired sporadic gunshots near the Edo Governorship Election Tribunal, sparking fear and disrupting activities in the area.
The incident occurred on Reservation Street, close to Ezoti Junction, and near the High Court complex hosting the tribunal.
In a viral video, a youth donning 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, he fired several shots into the air, sending bystanders into panic.
Eyewitnesses reported that the gunshots reverberated through the tribunal premises, startling attendees and halting proceedings temporarily. Curiously, armed police officers stationed nearby reportedly took no action to intervene as the assailant, shouting “Give us our mandate,” fired multiple rounds.
The gunman, joined by another individual, later returned to the Hilux van and fled the scene.
APC Blames PDP for Violence
Reacting to the incident, the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State, Jarrett Tenebe, accused PDP supporters of orchestrating the attack.
“Today’s shooting near the Governorship Election Tribunal involving members of the opposition PDP is deeply disturbing and unacceptable,” Tenebe said.
He described the tribunal as a “sacred space” for impartial justice, emphasizing that any violence around it undermines the integrity of the legal system. He called on security agencies to swiftly apprehend and prosecute the perpetrators.
PDP Denies Allegations, Points Fingers at APC
However, Tony Aziegbemi, Acting Chairman of the PDP Caretaker Committee in Edo State, dismissed the APC’s accusations as baseless, alleging that the incident was a deliberate plot by the APC to tarnish the PDP’s reputation.
“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 said.
He alleged that the attackers were APC thugs disguised in PDP-branded attire to disrupt proceedings and mislead the public.
Aziegbemi added, “The PDP directed all its supporters and members to stay away from today’s tribunal proceedings. This directive was strictly adhered to because we anticipated APC’s plans to instigate violence.”
The PDP leader expressed disappointment over the police’s failure to apprehend the gun-wielding assailant, whose face was clearly visible in the viral video. He called on law enforcement agencies to take urgent steps to arrest and prosecute the culprits.
The incident has heightened political tension in Edo State, with both parties trading accusations while citizens await swift action from security agencies. The public has called for calm and urged law enforcement to ensure that those responsible for the violence are brought to justice to protect the integrity of the tribunal.
