In a disturbing turn of events, a campaign vehicle belonging to Philip Shaibu, the deputy governor of Edo State and gubernatorial aspirant for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), fell victim to a savage attack by armed individuals suspected to be hoodlums.
The nefarious incident reportedly took place in Ekpoma, a town located in the Esan West Local Government Area of the state during the late hours of Sunday night. This destructive act followed a gathering of Shaibu’s supporters in Illeh, Ward 10, in preparation for the upcoming September 21 governorship elections in the state.
Otoide Abas, the campaign coordinator for Shaibu in the area, confirmed the distressing occurrence to Leadership Newspaper. Abas revealed that the police had managed to recover the vandalized campaign vehicle.
Describing the event, Abas recounted, “We concluded a meeting with Ward 10 (Illeh) People’s Democratic Party (PDP) faithful when the incident happened. The meeting began around 5:00 pm and ended a few minutes before six. After the meeting, we took the Sienna bus provided by Comrade Shaibu to Ekpoma to meet with other supporters. While making a quick stop at the local market square in Ekpoma to buy some beef barbecue (Suya), about seven boys descended from a nearby parked bus and started shooting. We all ran for safety, and they proceeded to the spot where we had parked the bus, destroying it. The police retrieved the vehicle that night, and as I speak with you, I am at the police station because I was instructed to report today.”
The senseless act of violence targeted at a political figure’s campaign infrastructure highlights the tense atmosphere surrounding the impending gubernatorial elections in Edo State, raising concerns about the safety and security of political participants and their supporters ahead of the crucial polls.
