Armed Thugs Attack Edo LGC Legislative Leader

Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City

Early Tuesday, the legislative leader of Oredo Local Government Council, Harrison Izekor, was attacked by masked thugs wielding dangerous weapons at his office in Ogunmwehin, Government Reserve Area (GRA), Benin City.

The assailants reportedly gathered, stole his official vehicle and valuable equipment worth millions of naira.

Eyewitnesses recounted that the heavily armed group numbering over 20, fired gunshots indiscriminately, leaving several people injured, and in an attempt to escape the violence, Izekor was forced to flee into a nearby bush for safety.

THISDAY gathered the attack has been linked to ongoing political tensions in Edo State with reports suggesting it may be connected to the state government’s alleged efforts to unseat the current chairman of Oredo Local Government Council, Dr. Tom Obaseki.

Observers believe yesterday’s assault is part of a larger pattern of harassment, intimidation directed at council chairmen and their deputies in the state for force them out by all means and pave way for the governor lackeys and party members.

A neighbor who witnessed the incident, identified as Mr. Sunday Akpan, told journalists that, “The attackers were more than 20 armed thugs, and they started shooting sporadically. It was very frightening.”

Meanwhile, local authorities have yet to issue an official statement regarding the attack.

Residents of the area are calling on the government to ensure the safety of public officials and bring the perpetrators of this act to justice.