Tension Mounts In Edo As Heavy Police Presence Engulfs Governorship Tribunal

The Edo State Police Command has intensified security measures at the Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal in Benin City following rising tensions and violent clashes during the first week of hearings.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The tribunal, located at the High Court Complex on Sapele Road, has faced disruptions, including shootings and attempts by thugs to interfere with proceedings. The governorship election results, announced in September 2024, are being contested by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and other opposition parties.

Speaking to Punch on Sunday, Edo State Police Command spokesman SP Moses Yamu confirmed that additional officers had been deployed to maintain order.

He stated, “It is our responsibility to ensure there’s no breach of peace at the tribunal, and adequate deployments have been made in this regard. The message remains the same: let the game be played according to the rules.”

Earlier, in a statement issued on January 16, 2025, titled “Commissioner of Police Orders Investigation into a Viral Video of a Shooting Incident in Edo State,” the police command announced an investigation into a shooting incident linked to the clashes.

The statement clarified: “The attention of the Edo State Police Command has been drawn to a viral video showing a weapon-bearing individual firing shots in the air before driving off in an unmarked white Hilux vehicle to an unidentified location in Edo State.

“However, the Command categorically states that no shooting incident occurred at the High Court on January 15, 2025, during the Election Tribunal sitting, as adequate security measures were in place to prevent any breakdown of law and order.

“Nevertheless, the Commissioner of Police, Umoru Ozigi, has ordered a thorough investigation into the incident to identify the individual in the viral video and ensure prosecution.”