Attack On Edo Deputy Governor’s Campaign Vehicle Sparks Election Violence Fear (PHOTOS)

Specter of electoral violence resurfaced in Edo State late on Sunday after unknown hoodlums allegedly attacked Otoide Abas, coordinator, Philip Shaibu Campaign Organization, in Esan West.

Shuaibu is deputy governor, Edo State, and is said to have had a political falling out with his principal, Godwin Obaseki, who finishes his two terms this year.

There are strong beliefs that Obaseki backs Asue Ighodalo, a boardroom guru with strong pedigree with continental investment and policy driving corporation, AFRINVEST.

But Sunday attack on Abas and one of the deputy governor’s campaign vehicles has sparked worries that the forthcoming Edo governorship election might be marred by electoral violence, strangely precipitated by the ruling People’s Democratic Party, PDP, in the state.

Phillip Shuaibu raised this concern on Monday in press release. The organisation expressed grave concern at the attack on the campaign vehicle which happened in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State.

The organisation further alleged that sponsored individuals affiliated with a PDP aspirant launched the violent assault on the vehicle.

According to a statement signed by Chief Sunday Okumayin and made available to our reporter, the incident occurred shortly after Mr. Abas concluded a productive meeting with Ward 10 (Illeh) PDP faithful. On his way to meet other supporters in Ekpoma, he made a quick stop at the local market square to purchase some beef barbecue (Suya). It was during this innocent moment that a white Toyota bus, labeled “Ameosa Motors,” suddenly appeared, where some heavily armed hoodlums numbering about seven emerged from it, creating fear and panic by shooting indiscriminately.

“Mr. Otoide reported that the same vehicle and occupants had earlier visited Illeh after the meeting, where they maliciously vandalized the chairs and canopies used for the gathering. The hoodlums then took their time to thoroughly destroy the Philip Shaibu Campaign vehicle, firing multiple shots at it while Mr. Otoide and others sought safety.

According to him, their findings evealed that the bus used by the assailants was the same one that transported thugs accompanying the said PDP aspirant to the Uchi Day celebration in Auchi last week.

“We find these acts of violence deeply disturbing and want to state categorically that Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu and his campaign organization are committed to the well-being and progress of the people of Edo State.

“Unfortunately, there have been numerous attempts to hinder our campaign, such as the repeated vandalism of our billboards by state-sponsored thugs targeting Mr. Shaibu’s candidacy,” the statement read.

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