Tension Escalates in Benin City as Gunfire Erupts Near Edo Governorship Election Tribunal
Benin City was thrown into chaos on Wednesday when suspected thugs unleashed a barrage of gunfire near the Edo Governorship Election Tribunal, raising serious security concerns in the vicinity.
The alarming incident took place on Reservation Street, close to Ezoti Junction and adjacent to the High Court complex. Eyewitnesses shared that a viral video captured a young man, donned in a cap featuring the logo of a political party, loading bullets into a pump-action rifle.
Emerging from an unregistered white Toyota Hilux, the individual fired multiple shots into the air, inducing panic among bystanders. Reports indicate that the gunfire reverberated into the tribunal premises, interrupting ongoing proceedings and leaving passersby in shock. Disturbingly, armed police officers present at the scene appeared to take no action to quell the situation.
The assailant yelled, “Give us our mandate,” before being joined by another individual. They both quickly retreated to the Hilux and sped away.
In the wake of the incident, the Chairman of a prominent political party in Edo State condemned the violence, claiming that members of the opposing party orchestrated the attack. He described the shooting as a blatant assault on the integrity of the legal process, emphasizing the importance of maintaining order within judicial spaces.
“This shooting incident near the Governorship Election Tribunal is alarming and completely unacceptable. The tribunal should serve as a sanctuary of impartial justice, and any violence therein threatens our legal framework,” the party chairman stated. He urged authorities to bring those responsible to justice.
Conversely, the acting chairman of the opposing party in Edo State dismissed the accusations, branding them unfounded and accusing the first party of fabricating the incident to tarnish their reputation. He suggested that the opposing party orchestrated the violence themselves, disguising their members in political attire to mislead the public.
“The tension surrounding the tribunal proceedings today was anticipated, and we had instructed all our supporters to remain clear of the area. Unfortunately, this did not stop the disruption,” he remarked.
He further expressed disappointment that law enforcement failed to apprehend the assailant, urging them to take immediate action to ensure justice is served.
