Ismail Abdulazeez Mantu Reporting
Pandemonium broke out in Benin on Thursday as impeached former deputy governor Philip Shaibu made a dramatic return to the state, following a court judgment in Abuja on Wednesday.
In a bid to demonstrate his presence, Shaibu, in collaboration with All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate Senator Monday Okpebholo, allegedly hired thugs to greet him at Benin Airport.
The situation quickly descended into violence as the thugs began shooting indiscriminately and vandalizing both private and government vehicles. Campaign banners and billboards were also destroyed in the chaos.
The thugs, alongside Shaibu and Okpebholo, paraded through the busy Airport Road, brandishing weapons and chanting war songs, causing widespread panic among civilians who rushed for safety.
Gunfire echoed through the Oredo Local Government Area for an extended period, forcing business owners to close their shops and flee.
An eyewitness, speaking anonymously, described the scene as terrifying. “They were armed. Shaibu should not do this to our state. It’s not a do-or-die affair. Why is he so desperate about the whole thing? He claims to be a Christian; does he not know that only God gives power and position?”
The eyewitness continued, “As for Okpebholo, is this the way he wants to convince Edo people to vote for him? Instead of resorting to violence and thuggery, he should campaign and win their trust. Violence won’t take anyone to Osadebey Avenue in September. See, all the traders had to close their shops and run for their lives. They are not yet in power and are already acting like lions and tigers. What if they become the ruling party?”
As of the time of this report, the State Police Command had not issued any statement regarding the sporadic gunfire, despite the sounds being audible from both the Police Headquarters and the 4th Brigade in Benin.
Truth Live News gathered that the armed thugs, allegedly led by Shaibu, unleashed chaos in Benin City, leaving a trail of destruction and fear in their wake.
