Edo Law Enforcement Calls Edo Labour Party Candidate To Account For UNIBEN Violence

Olumide Akpata, the Labour Party (LP) candidate for the upcoming September 21, 2024, gubernatorial election in Edo State, has been requested to appear before the State Police Command regarding alleged security breaches, including shootings at the University of Benin (UNIBEN) last Friday.

According to the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Chidi Nwabuzor, who briefed journalists in Benin City, the invitation was extended to the LP gubernatorial candidate by investigators from the Political Desk Session of the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) on Tuesday, April 16, 2024.

The incident in question occurred during an investiture ceremony at the UNIBEN Staff Club, where Akpata was reportedly attacked by suspected political thugs. Akpata has claimed that the assault was a coordinated effort by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state and the State Government to eliminate him.

The police stated that Akpata’s invitation is part of their ongoing investigation into the crisis surrounding the incident.

Kelly Ogbaloi, the State Chairman of the Labour Party, confirmed receiving the police invitation but expressed confusion as to why he was also asked to appear. He clarified that while Akpata was invited by UNIBEN for a personal honor, it had no connection to the party’s secretariat. Nevertheless, he assured that he would comply with the police summons.

Meanwhile, both the Edo State Government and UNIBEN authorities have denounced the attack on Akpata. The Edo State Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Osa Nehikhare, condemned the violence and stated that an investigation is underway. He emphasized the government’s stance against such acts of violence and irresponsible behavior associated with Akpata’s visit to the institution.

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