A Sienna vehicle belonging to Philip Shaibu Governorship Campaign Organisation was attacked on Monday, January 15,:in Ekpoma, the administrative headquarters of Esan West Local Government Area in Edo Central Senatorial District.
The vehicle was driven by the coordinator of the organisation in the local government, Otoide Abas.
Shaibu is a governorship aspirant on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), but lacks support from Governor Godwin Obaseki, who is backing a Lagos-based lawyer, Asue Ighodalo.
Ighodalo is an indigene of Ewohimi in Esan Southeast Local Government Area in Esanland, Edo Central senatorial district.
Obaseki had said that his choice of Ighodalo is to ensure equity, justice and fairness.
The meeting commenced at 5 p.m., and was rounded off an hour later, after which the coordinator left Illeh for Ekpoma, to meet with other supporters.
A source said: “Upon completing his engagements in Ekpoma, Abas decided to make a quick stop at the local market square in Ekpoma to purchase some beef barbecue (suya). It was during this time that he noticed a white Hummer bus, labeled ‘Ameosa Motors,’ parked nearby.
“Suddenly, manyhoodlums emerged from the bus, shot sporadically to create fear and panic among the crowd. The same vehicle and occupants earlier visited Illeh after the meeting, where they vandalised the chairs and canopies used for the gathering.
“The coordinator and other occupants of the campaign vehicle scrambled to safety, while the hoodlums took their time to thoroughly destroy the vehicle, while firing multiple shots at it.
“The bus used by the assailants was the same vehicle that transported thugs, who accompanied a PDP’s governorship aspirant to Uchi Day celebration in Auchi, Edo North senatorial district last week. Abas is still at Ekpoma police station, writing his statement, with the vehicle being held as evidence.”
Shaibu has faced numerous challenges hindering his campaign, including the vandalism of his billboards in Edo by state-sponsored thugs.
Edo deputy governor’s ally, who spoke in confidence, said: “In light of these distressing events, the security agencies in Edo State must heed the call and compel Godwin Obaseki’s administration to reign in their agents.
“The attacks not only undermine the democratic process, but also betray the peaceful people of Edo State, who have chosen to participate in a democratic election to liberate their state from conniving capitalists, who are masquerading as statesmen.
“The safety and security of all participants in the election must be ensured, and those responsible for these attacks must face the full force of the law.”
Shaibu’s associate urged the teeming supporters of Edo deputy governor across the 18 LGAs of the state to remain calm, shun violence, and continue to embrace peace and be law-abiding.
The Nation
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