Tension soared in Benin City on Wednesday as gunfire erupted near the Edo Governorship Election Tribunal, disrupting proceedings and escalating security concerns.
The incident occurred on Reservation Street, near Ezoti Junction, adjacent to the High Court complex, where the tribunal was in session. Eyewitnesses reported chaos as an unidentified youth, wearing a cap branded with the logo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), was captured on video loading bullets into a pump-action rifle. Emerging from an unregistered white Toyota Hilux van, the individual fired multiple shots into the air, sending bystanders scrambling for safety.
The gunshots reportedly echoed into the tribunal premises, momentarily disrupting activities. Despite the presence of armed policemen in the area, no immediate action was taken to address the disturbance.
In the viral video, the gunman could be heard shouting, “Give us our mandate,” before being joined by an accomplice. Both assailants then re-entered the Hilux van and fled the scene.
Political Parties Trade Blame
The incident has ignited a war of words between the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the PDP, each accusing the other of orchestrating the attack.
Reacting to the violence, APC Edo State Chairman Jarrett Tenebe condemned the act, describing it as an attack on the integrity of the legal process.
“Today’s shooting incident near the Governorship Election Tribunal involving members of the opposition PDP is deeply disturbing and unacceptable,” Tenebe said. “The tribunal is a sacred space for justice. Any act of violence within its precinct undermines our legal system and endangers everyone involved.”
Tenebe urged authorities to swiftly identify and prosecute the perpetrators, emphasizing the need to uphold law and order.
In response, Tony Aziegbemi, the Acting Chairman of the PDP Caretaker Committee in Edo State, dismissed the APC’s claims as baseless. He alleged that the APC had staged the violence, disguising its thugs in PDP-branded attire to mislead the public.
“The APC, scared of justice, continues to employ devious tactics to frustrate the PDP from reclaiming the mandate given to us by Edo people in the last governorship election,” Aziegbemi stated.
According to Aziegbemi, the PDP had instructed its supporters to stay away from the tribunal proceedings, anticipating attempts by the APC to incite violence. He criticized the police for failing to apprehend the gun-wielding assailants, whose faces were visible in the viral footage.
“We call on law enforcement agencies to arrest and prosecute the perpetrators of this heinous act. Justice must prevail,” he added.
As the incident continues to generate public outcry, the spotlight remains on law enforcement to ensure that those responsible are held accountable. The Edo Governorship Election Tribunal proceedings resume under heightened security, with stakeholders urging calm and adherence to the rule of law.
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