Olumide Akpata, the governorship candidate of the Labour Party, has alleged that a senior official of the Edo State Government orchestrated the attack on him and other participants during an interactive session organized by the University of Benin Staff Club.
Akpata, who was present as a guest at the event held last Friday, described how it was violently disrupted, causing chaos within the university premises. In a viral video released on Saturday, Akpata clarified that a senior lecturer who was injured during the attack was currently receiving medical treatment at a hospital in Benin. He also refuted allegations that his security aides had shot a UNIBEN student.
According to Akpata, the event at the University of Benin Staff Club was abruptly interrupted by hoodlums claiming to be students of the university. They insisted that the event should not proceed without their prior notification, causing shock and dismay among the attendees, including professors present.
Akpata revealed that security agents had to intervene to remove the barricades created by the hoodlums in order for him to continue his journey safely. He pointed fingers at certain politicians engaged in election-related activities and accused them of orchestrating the disruption.
In response, the Edo State Government condemned the attack on Akpata at the university. The Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Nehikhare, emphasized that an active investigation was underway to ascertain the truth behind the incident. Nehikhare also warned against violence and irresponsible behavior associated with political visits to institutions.
Meanwhile, the management of the University of Benin condemned the attack and pledged to conduct a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the disturbance.
