The Edo State chapter of All Progressives Congress, APC, has called on President Bola Tinubu to direct the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and the State Security Services to probe yesterday’s shooting at Benin Airport exit gate and the alleged assassination attempt on its governorship candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo.
A statement signed by Comrade Orobosa Omo-Ojo, Director of Publicity, APC Edo Governorship Campaign Council, the party insisted that yesterday’s “unwarranted shooting and assassination attempt on Okpebholo” must be thoroughly investigated and the culprits be punished in accordance with the law.
“…IGP Kayode Egbetokun, and the State Security Service to probe this assassination attempt and bring the culprits to book and also rein in state sponsored criminals who have brazenly made the political landscape unsafe,” he added.
Omo-Ojo, in the statement made available to INFO DAILY on Friday noted that “anything short of this, is capable of encouraging self help in the state, especially as we enter the crucial campaign season.”
The Director, who said the “assassination attempt on Okpebholo represents glaring failure by the Police,” also described the incident as “the greatest security breach and failure.”
He added: “The attempted assassination of Senator Okpebholo, the APC gubernatorial candidate represents a glaring failure by the Police, which left a serving senator exposed to gunfire in a breach of security that caused fatality.”
He continued: “The vantage point the assasins who were in a marked Sienna Bus opposite the exit gate managed to acquire, is the greatest security breach and failure, especially as the Edo State Commissioner of Police, Funsho Adegboye, and other top officers were at the airport to ensure peace.”
Omo-Ojo, while regretting the killing of a Police Inspector in the gunfire, condemned the act and urged every well meaning Nigerians to do so.
“Those that committed the murder of Inspector Ako and attempted to assassinate Senator Okpebholo are the hired criminals who were identified by security agents present at the scene as representatives of the opposition party.
“This unprovoked horrific act of political violence against a peaceful Nigerian Senator should have no place in Edo State.
“It should be unanimously and forcefully condemned by the Federal Government of Nigeria and the good people of Edo State.
“After a careful reflection, the APC regrets the killing of a serving police officer, who was murdered in cold blood while carrying out his official assignment.
“The party is also appalled by the pains caused by injuries sustained by hundreds of our members during the unexpected attack,” he added.