The All Progressives Congress (APC) campaign council for the Edo guber election has demanded an investigation into the security failure that led to the attack on its gubernatorial candidate, Monday Okpebholo.

The council, in a statement on Friday in Benin by its spokesperson, Orobosa Omo-Ojo, condemned what it described as an assassination attempt on the gubernatorial candidate.

“We are appalled by the gruesome murder of Police Inspector Onu Ako, who was killed in cold blood while carrying out his official assignment.

“We are also grateful that Senator Okpebholo appears to be fine after the despicable attack on a peaceful motorcade,” he said.

The council spokesman called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to direct the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and the State Security Service to carry out a discreet investigation into the incident

“This is a glaring failure by the police, which left a serving senator exposed to gunfire in a breach of security that caused a fatality.

“We demand that the perpetrators be brought to justice and that state-sponsored criminals be reined in to prevent further violence.

“Anything short of this is capable of encouraging self-help in the state, especially as we enter the crucial campaign season,” he said.

He expressed concern about the safety of its members and supporters, who were injured during the attack.

Mr Omo-Ojo, however, noted that the party would not be deterred by this violent desperation, saying: “We will continue to work towards providing leadership for the people of Edo and ensuring that they are safe and secure.”

He noted Mr Okpebholo’s procession from the airport to the APC secretariat would have been conducted peacefully without any problem if the gunmen had not decided to ambush the candidate and his supporters at the Benin airport exit.

He said the APC candidate did not commit any crime by passing through the airport gate after arriving from Abuja likewise party members, who received him on his arrival.

“Those that committed the murder of Inspector Ako and attempted to assassinate Senator Okpebholo are the hired criminals who were identified by security agents present at the scene as representatives of the opposition party.

“This unprovoked horrific act of political violence against a peaceful Nigerian senator should have no place in Edo State.

“It should be unanimously and forcefully condemned by the federal government of Nigeria and the good people of Edo State.

“After a careful reflection, the APC regrets the killing of a serving police officer, who was murdered in cold blood while carrying out his official assignment,” said the campaign council spokesman.

Gunmen on Thursday in Benin opened fire at the convoy of Mr Okpebholo and the reinstated deputy governor of the state, Philip Shaibu, when the duo were exiting the airport on arrival from Abuja. 

(NAN)