In a shocking incident on Thursday, Edo State Deputy Governor Philip Shuaibu narrowly escaped an assassination attempt in Benin City. The attack, which took place at the Airport exit gate roundabout near Faith Mediplex, resulted in the tragic death of a police officer and left several others wounded. This violent act occurred just days after the court reinstated Shuaibu as the Deputy Governor of Edo State, adding a new dimension to the political tensions in the region.
The brazen assault unfolded as Deputy Governor Shuaibu’s convoy was ambushed by gunmen identified as members of the Edo State Security Network (ESSN). The attackers opened fire on the convoy, causing chaos among the crowd of supporters who had gathered to welcome Shuaibu back to the city. A viral video of the incident, circulating on social media platform X, captured the intense gun battle.
A statement released by Deputy Governor Shuaibu’s media team confirmed the assassination attempt, emphasizing the danger posed by state-sponsored thugs and ESSN members. The statement, dated July 18, 2024, detailed the harrowing experience:
“The Edo State Deputy Governor, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu, Thursday afternoon, escaped an assassination attempt on his life in Benin City, the state capital. The attempt on the life of the deputy governor and other VIPs, including supporters who were at the Benin Airport to receive him, was carried out at the Airport exit gate roundabout, near Faith Mediplex. The attack orchestrated by state-sponsored thugs and members of the Edo State Security Network (ESSN), witnessed sporadic shootings that left the cheering crowd who had come to welcome the reinstated deputy governor back to Benin, scampering for their dear lives seeking protection from the flying stray bullets.”
The statement continued, highlighting the bravery of the security officers who managed to stabilize the situation:
“However, it took the effort and intervention of security officers to rescue the situation, leaving the state-sponsored thugs and local vigilantes to run from the spot and allowing the rallying crowd to reconvene. Sadly, one gallant police officer attached to the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo, who rode alongside the deputy governor’s convoy, lost his life in the unprovoked brutal attack, with several officers and supporters wounded.”
This assassination attempt is believed to be directly linked to the recent reinstatement of Philip Shuaibu as the Deputy Governor of Edo State, suggesting that the political landscape in Edo is becoming increasingly volatile.
Efforts by journalists to obtain a reaction from the Edo State Police Command were unsuccessful, as attempts to reach their spokesperson proved futile.
This attack has raised serious concerns about the security situation in Edo State, especially as the political climate heats up ahead of upcoming elections. The loss of the police officer and the injury to others underscores the need for heightened security measures to protect public officials and citizens alike.
