The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State has condemned Monday attacked on its leaders and lawyers at the premises of the Edo State Governorship Election Tribunal.
APC said scores of the party’s supporters were injured by persons alleged to be thugs of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Benin City, the Edo State capital.
Recall that a viral video had captured some supporters of the APC and PDP engaging in a violent clash at the hearing of the Edo State Governorship Election Tribunal on Monday.
Acting Chairman of the APC in the state, Emperor Jarret Tenebe described the attack as too many, noting that the APC had earlier alerted security agencies over the attack but the information was sadly ignored.
Tenebe said if security agencies fail to take decisive action by arresting and bringing perpetrators of the attack to book, the party would resort to self-help and defend itself and members.
He said, “This latest attack is one of many that the Peoples Democratic Party has visited on us since the electioneering process that culminated in the victory of Senator Monday Okpebholo as Governor of Edo State. We had alerted the security agencies ahead of yesterday’s (Monday) attack, but sadly, the police ignored this.
“Several of our members were caught unawares by the dastardly groups of thugs that were hired by the Peoples Democratic Party to disrupt the tribunal proceedings and maim APC leaders, members and lawyers.
“They violently attacked our members and some lawyers representing other political parties and in the process, left several persons with severe injuries.
“These PDP thugs who were seen in branded Asue Ighodalo’s T-shirts and caps, came with battle axe, bottles and other dangerous weapons, which they used freely on APC members who did not provoke any fight. The PDP thugs took over the court premises and adjoining streets without resistance from the police.
“Their unbridled murderous attacks were captured in different video recordings that are now in circulation. The latest attack, refreshes the memory of Nigerians of what happened at the Benin City Airport exit gate when PDP agents murdered Inspector Akor Onu in cold blood.
“We are sure that, the failure of police to prosecute all those that were identified in that killing, may have emboldened the PDP killer squad to carry out this latest attack,” the APC said.
Responding to the allegation, the Publicity Secretary of PDP Caretaker Committee in Edo State, Chris Nehikhare said the party would not dignify the APC with a response when contacted for his view.
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