PDP Accuses APC of Orchestrating Edo Shooting, Police Officer’s Death

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) of orchestrating the violence that led to the death of a police officer in Benin City, Edo State, on Thursday.

The PDP has called on the police to investigate reports that the violence stemmed from a show of force by thugs allegedly mobilized by APC governorship candidate Monday Okpebholo and his allies, intending to intimidate citizens as they entered the city from Benin Airport.

In a statement by its spokesman, Debo Ologunagba, the PDP argued that the APC’s quick attempt to blame “some agencies of the Edo State Government even before any investigation” reveals their desperation to cover up their involvement in the violence.

Ologunagba stated, “The PDP invites Nigerians to note that the preponderance of pictorial and video evidence shows that the groups and thugs in the vicinity of the attack were mobilized by the APC and the said prominent politicians, as evident in the boasting of the thugs before the unleashing of mayhem on innocent citizens.”

He added that these evidences indicate that no security agency or group connected to the Edo State Government was present at the scene, nor did the government mobilize any group to the airport or its vicinity at the time of the attack.

Ologunagba stressed that the APC and its allies are the only entities likely to cause unrest to instill fear ahead of the Edo State governorship election, frustrated by their lack of prospects with an unqualified candidate.

The PDP demands that the Inspector General of Police question those whose agents and supporters were seen with thugs at the Benin Airport before the attack, as shown in videos and pictures.

The PDP also urged the police to maintain peace and order in Edo State, warning of the APC’s confirmed plans to incite violence. The PDP encouraged its supporters and the people of Edo State to continue rallying behind its candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo.