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Edo Tribunal: Police Tighten Security Amid Rising Violence

January 20, 2025

 

The Edo State Police Command has increased security around the venue of the Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal in Benin City, following growing concerns about violence and unrest during the first week of hearings at the High Court Complex on Sapele Road.

Tensions have been running high after the announcement of Senator Monday Okpebholo as the winner of the September governorship election, with his closest rival, Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), challenging the results in court. The PDP, along with six other political parties, has filed a petition seeking the nullification of Okpebholo’s victory.

Amid escalating tensions, there have been reports of violent incidents. On Wednesday, a gunman was captured on video firing shots into the air while shouting, “give us back our mandate” near the tribunal venue. On Thursday, a group of thugs allegedly attempted to disrupt the tribunal proceedings but was stopped by security personnel. Further unrest occurred on Friday when party supporters clashed with private security personnel at the court premises.

In response, the Edo State Police Command has deployed additional officers to ensure peace at the tribunal. Police spokesman SP Moses Yamu emphasized that maintaining law and order is a priority, urging political parties to adhere to the rules of the tribunal. He also confirmed that an investigation is underway into the shooting incident captured in the viral video.

A statement from the command clarified that no shooting had occurred inside the High Court during the tribunal’s sitting on January 15, 2025. The police vowed to investigate the matter, identifying the gunman and taking appropriate action.

The rising violence has drawn criticism from various political groups. The Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Peter Uwadiae-Igbinigie, accused the PDP of inciting violence, particularly over the alleged involvement of private security personnel brought by Ighodalo to the court. Uwadiae-Igbinigie argued that only official security forces, such as the police and the Department of State Services (DSS), should be responsible for providing security at the tribunal.

Meanwhile, the PDP’s Publicity Secretary, Chris Nehikhare, dismissed APC accusations, claiming that the APC was attempting to disrupt the tribunal’s proceedings. He expressed confidence in the validity of their case and lamented that the APC was using distraction tactics to undermine the tribunal. Nehikhare also accused the APC of orchestrating the violence, pointing to footage of an alleged APC supporter involved in the shooting incident on Wednesday.

The situation in Edo State remains tense, and all eyes are on the tribunal as it continues its deliberations amid the growing security concerns.

Written by Adeyemi Adewale




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