Following a deadly attack on the convoy of Senator Monday Okpebholo, the APC governorship candidate, and reinstated Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu, security has been beefed up around the premises of Deputy Governor Marvellous Omobayo.
POLITICS NIGERIA reports that the attack, which occurred on Airport Road on Thursday, left one police officer dead and three others injured.
The convoy came under fire from gunmen in a vehicle at the airport exit gate, prompting a retaliatory response from the security details attached to Okpebholo and Shaibu.
It is understood that Okpebholo was hospitalized in an undisclosed hospital in Benin City, while Shaibu’s whereabouts remained unknown.
The Edo State Government has accused Shaibu of perpetrating violence and destruction, alleging that his thugs have attacked innocent citizens in an attempt to enforce his reinstatement.
Commissioner for Communication and Orientation Chris Nehikhare warned that Shaibu would face consequences for his actions.
“We want to reiterate that Shaibu will face the consequences of violence that he has resorted to in pursuit of his aim to return to the Government House even when he is aware that a stay of execution of the judgement has been filed,” he said.
In the meantime, security has been strengthened at the premises of Deputy Governor Omobayo, located near the airport, to prevent any potential attacks.
The police have launched an investigation into the incident.
“It is premature for the police to confirm at this time until the investigation is concluded,” SP Chidi Nwabuzor, Public Relations Officer of the Police Command in Edo, said.