Philip Shaibu, the former deputy governor of Edo State, and Monday Okpebholo, the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, narrowly escaped an attack on Thursday when their convoy was ambushed by suspected gunmen in Benin City.
According to witnesses, the incident occurred in the afternoon near Benin Airport, shortly after the two politicians received a warm welcome from their supporters. TheCable reports that their convoy was attacked at the airport’s exit gate by assailants in a Sienna car who opened fire.
There was a shootout between the gunmen and the security operatives accompanying the APC candidate and the former deputy governor. A witness stated, “The intervention of the mobile squad of the Nigeria Police brought the situation under control,” adding that several officers continued shooting to disperse the attackers as they fled in a Toyota Sienna bus.
Unfortunately, a police officer identified as Okon, who was attached to the APC candidate, lost his life during the shootout.
This incident follows a recent legal victory for Shaibu. On July 17, a federal high court in Abuja nullified his removal as deputy governor of Edo State. In his ruling, Judge James Omotosho declared that Shaibu’s impeachment on April 8, 2024, by the Edo State House of Assembly was politically motivated and violated legal provisions. The court ordered Shaibu’s reinstatement and directed the inspector-general of police (IGP) to immediately restore his security.
In June, Shaibu publicly declared his support for the APC candidate, criticizing the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for selecting an outsider as its flagbearer. The off-cycle governorship election in Edo is scheduled for September 21.
cable