The Edo state government has blamed Philip Shaibu, the former deputy governor of the state, for the attack on the convoy of Monday Okpebholo, the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate.
On Thursday, gunmen opened fire at the convoy of the APC candidate near the Benin airport, shortly after Okpebholo and Shaibu were received by a horde of supporters.
A police inspector was killed during the shootout between the gunmen and security operatives attached to Okpebholo.
In a statement on Friday, Chris Nehikhare, commissioner for communication and orientation in Edo, accused Shaibu of being behind the incident.
Nehikhare said Shaibu disregarded the police advice, which could have prevented the attack.
“With the disappointment by this development, Shaibu disregarded the advice and warnings from the commissioner of police and exited the airport precincts into the waiting crowd of thugs who then moved with him into the city, shooting sporadically and unleashing mayhem on innocent citizens who were minding their lawful businesses,” the statement reads.
“This mindless shooting and breakdown of law and order resulted in the wanton destruction of property, the infliction of various degrees of injuries on passersby and security operatives, and the loss of the life of a policeman.”
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