Edo Government Calls for Federal Probe into Policeman’s Killing, Demands Arrest of Shaibu

The Edo State Government has urged the Federal Government to establish an investigative panel to determine the cause of the shooting that resulted in the death of a police officer at the Benin Airport gate on Thursday.

According to NIGERIA NEWS 247, the incident occurred when a Police Inspector assigned to the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo, was killed during an attack by suspected political thugs.

At a press briefing on Friday in Benin City, the State Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Nehikhare, called for a thorough investigation. He claimed that the Commissioner of Police for Edo State, Funsho Adegboye, witnessed the events at the airport.

Nehikhare alleged that former Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu, who had just been reinstated by the court, arrived in Benin and allegedly mobilized armed thugs to the airport, leading to violence that resulted in the officer’s death and injuries to others.

He accused Shaibu of ignoring advice to avoid mobilizing supporters and called for his arrest, noting that Shaibu no longer holds official immunity. Nehikhare also appealed to the Federal Government and the Inspector General of Police to investigate the incident, emphasizing that the Commissioner of Police was a witness to the violence.

The Commissioner stated that the state government is committed to preventing further violence and ensuring free and fair elections. He also criticized the opposition for attempting to create a state of emergency by drawing undue attention to the incident.

Nehikhare urged the public to remain calm and assured that efforts are being made to address the situation.