Edo Youth Groups Petition Okpebholo, Idahosa Over Alleged Attack On Activist

Youth organisations in Edo State have petitioned Governor Monday Okpebholo, his deputy, His Excellency Dennis Idahosa, as well as security agencies over an alleged assassination attempt on a Benin-based activist, Comrade Gbale Joseph, describing the incident as a threat to democratic freedoms.

The petition, dated April 7, was submitted by the Initiative for Youth Awareness on Migration, Immigration, Development and Reintegration (IYAMIDR) in collaboration with the Coalition of Edo Youth Organisations, and signed by its Executive Director, Solomon Okoduwa, who called for urgent intervention and justice.

According to Okoduwa, the alleged attack occurred at about 8:00 p.m. on April 5 along Aideiya Road in the Government Reservation Area of Benin City, when Joseph was leaving the residence of Pa Odion Idahosa after what was described as a “friendly and brotherly conversation” on national and state issues.

He explained that the activist was accosted by a man wielding a stick, who allegedly confronted him over his social media criticisms of the state leadership, before a white mini bus conveying other armed men arrived, escalating the situation into what the group described as a violent encounter.

The group further alleged that Pa Odion Idahosa, who reportedly witnessed the incident, intervened and confronted the attackers, who allegedly fired shots into the air before fleeing the scene, a development the coalition said has heightened fear among residents and civil society actors in the state.

While dissociating the governor and his deputy from the incident, Okoduwa stressed that the coalition was worried that “unscrupulous elements may be exploiting perceived political cover to intimidate dissenting voices.”

He urged the police and the Department of State Services to carry out an independent investigation, ensure the protection of the victim and other activists, and reaffirm the government’s stance against political violence.