24th March, 2015
Jethro Ibileke/Benin
Two persons were reportedly killed and three others seriously injured on Monday evening in a clash between supporters of the All Progressive Congress, APC, and the Social Democratic Party, SDP, at Imiegba in Estako East local government area of Edo State.
The incident allegedly occurred near the palace of the paramount ruler in the locality, HRH J.B. Momoh, when the APC local government executives were carrying out door to door campaign, with the Edo north senatorial candidate of the SDP, Hon Abubakar Momoh also present in the area to inaugurate some projects.
Eyewitnesses said trouble started when APC supporters who were angered by the action of SDP supporters, barricaded the road, thereby making it difficult for Hon. Momoh to pass through.
They alleged that policemen attached to Hon. Momoh started shooting into the air which led to exchange of gunfire.
Vehicles belonging to Majority Leader, Hon Philip Shaibu, Usman Shagadi and Hon. Momoh were destroyed in the ensuing melee.
Hon. Shaibu who reportedly was not at the rally, was however called to help rescue trapped television reporters and APC members.
Hon. Momoh however alleged that his convoy was attacked and shot at by APC supporters, narrowly escaping death.
He said he was on his way to Imiakebu when he ran into a barricade, following which he alleged that the hoodlums started stoning his convoy and a shot from a policeman narrowly missed him.
“In a jiffy, I saw two Hilux vehicles belonging to Hon. Philip Shaibu, the majority leader of Edo State House of Assembly, with policemen attached to it and some gun men accompanied by a red bus owned by one Mr. Agbor, a popular motor dealer and Shaibu loyalist.”
Former Vice-Chairman of Etsako East, Hon. Yaro Yaro, said the royal father is a supporter of APC and has promised to deliver ward 9, which is Hon. Momoh’s stronghold.
Hon. Yaro said the attack was to end Momoh’s ambition as according to him, “the APC would do anything to keep Momoh at bay.”
Hon. Shaibu could not be reached for comments but close aides said the injured victims were transferred to Irrua Specialist Hospital, Irrua.
Edo North Police Area Commander, David Jiwan, who confirmed the incident, said the command has commenced investigation to unravel the cause of the incident. He added that nobody was killed in the clash.
“We are aware of the incident and investigation is ongoing. We appeal to politicians to call their supporters to order,” he said.