No fewer than 10 persons sustained severe injuries after unknown gunmen unleashed terror at the rally of Godwin Obaseki of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) which held in Benin, Edo state.
The rally scheduled to herald the campaign activities of Godwin Obaseki, PDP Governorship candidate, was cut short after gunmen attacked the party convoy which was leaving the palace to go to Samuel Ogbemudia stadium.
Uche Secondus, PDP National Chairman was among those who accompanied Obaseki to the palace.
They were returning to Ogbemudia stadium to kick-start the full campaign when gunmen began shooting sporadically into the air.
Many people tried to scamper for safety but unfortunately about ten persons sustained injuries from the shots fired.
An eyewitness who spoke to The Cable narrated the horrifying incident, with claims that members of All Progressives Congress (APC) may be responsible for the gunshots. He disclosed PDP members clashed with some members of the opposition party.
He said, “We were by the palace gate, and when the governor’s entourage was coming, we still stood there and suddenly we started hearing sporadic gunshots,” one of the sources said.
“People started running, falling over each other, and about 10 people have sustained injuries.”
Meanwhile, Chris Nehikaira, Edo state PDP spokesperson told TheCable that “some elements loyal to the APC tried to disrupt the visit of the governor to the palace”.
In the same vein, Chidi Nwabuzor, spokesperson of Edo state Police Command could not provide relevant information to newsmen as he had not been fully briefed by his colleaguesz at the incident.
The Cable quoted him saying, “I wasn’t there, so I am trying to speak with those on the ground so that we can give an accurate account,” he said.
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This is coming as the gubernatorial poll approaches mid-September. The biggest contenders of the governorship election include incumbent Governor, Godwin Obaseki of PDP and Osagie Ize-Iyamu of APC who is widely speculated to be the anointed candidate of Adams Oshimhole, suspended APC National Chairman.
Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has appointed September 19 for the gubernatorial poll in the state.